Question

How do proteins get digested in human beings?

Answer 1

The goal of protein digestion is to break down large, complex protein chains into single amino acids.

• In the Stomach: The stomach lining secretes hydrochloric acid (HCl) and an enzyme called pepsin. The acid creates the perfect environment for pepsin to actively break down large proteins into smaller fragments called peptides.
• In the Small Intestine: These smaller protein fragments enter the small intestine, where the pancreas releases another enzyme, trypsin. Trypsin continues the breakdown process. Finally, enzymes in the intestinal juice complete the digestion, converting the fragments completely into single amino acids.