PEPSINE Meaning and
Definition
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Pepsin is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestive system, specifically in the breakdown of proteins in the stomach. It is one of the main components of gastric juice, which is secreted by the cells lining the stomach walls.
Pepsin is classified as a protease, meaning it is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides by hydrolyzing the peptide bonds that hold them together. This process is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption in the body.
The production of pepsin begins in the stomach as a precursor called pepsinogen, which is released by the chief cells in response to the presence of food. Pepsinogen is then activated by the acidic environment of the stomach, converting it into its active form called pepsin. Pepsin works optimally at a low pH (around pH 2) and is especially effective in breaking down proteins into shorter polypeptide chains.
The breakdown of proteins by pepsin is an important step in digestion, as it enables further enzymatic digestion by other proteases in the small intestine. Without the action of pepsin, proteins would not be properly broken down into their constituent amino acids, which are necessary to support various biological processes in the body.
In summary, pepsin is an enzyme that originates from an inactive precursor (pepsinogen) in the stomach and aids in the digestion of proteins, facilitating the absorption of essential nutrients for optimal bodily functioning.
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A peculiar substance obtained from gastric-juice, used in medicine to promote digestion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PEPSINE
- -pepsin
- oepsine
- 0epsine
- pwpsine
- pspsine
- pdpsine
- prpsine
- p4psine
- p3psine
- pe-sine
- pe0sine
- pepaine
- pepzine
- pepxine
- pepdine
- pepwine
- pepsune
- pepsjne
- pepskne
- pepsone
Etymology of PEPSINE
The word "pepsine" (sometimes spelled "pepsin") is derived from the Greek word "pepsis", meaning digestion or ripening. It is combined with the suffix "-ine" to form "pepsine", which refers to an enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins.
Similar spelling words for PEPSINE
- papazian,
- pepsin,
- Babsen,
- BPISN,
- babycino,
- Babson,
- Babsson,
- pepsin--although,
- popson,
- Pepysian,
- beaubassin,
- PABSON,
- pepsin-unit.
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