Digestion & Absorption
Protein → Mouth (mechanical digestion)
↓
Stomach : • HCL gets released and Unfolds the protein chain as well as activates PEPSIN ↓ • Pepsin breaks down proteins into Polypeptides
Small Intestine
- Duodenum - • Pancreas releases pancreatic juices into duodenum.
- ↓ • Pancreatic juice contains Bicarbonate Buffer,
- ↓ • Bicarbonate Buffer neutralizes HCL to protect intestinal environment ↓
- 2. Jejunum & Ileum - • Intestinal Cells / Enterocytes cells
- • Free Amino Acids, Polypeptides, Tripeptides goes into intestinal cells and everything becomes free amino acids
Free Amino Acids goes to liver via hepatic portal vein then to general blood circulation
Protease/ Proteolytic Enzymes - TRYPSIN, CHYMOTRYPSIN, CARBOXY PEPTIDASE,
List of major protein-digesting enzymes (proteolytic enzymes)
| Enzyme | Location | Function (short) |
|---|---|---|
| Pepsin | Stomach | Starts protein digestion |
| Trypsin | Small intestine (pancreas) | Breaks peptides |
| Chymotrypsin | Small intestine (pancreas) | Digests proteins |
| Carboxypeptidase | Small intestine (pancreas) | Removes amino acids from end |
| Aminopeptidase | Small intestine (intestinal lining) | Releases amino acids |
| Dipeptidase | Small intestine (intestinal lining) | Splits dipeptides |
Simple digestion order
Pepsin → stomach
Trypsin + Chymotrypsin + Carboxypeptidase → pancreas → small intestine
Aminopeptidase + Dipeptidase → intestinal wall → final amino acids
Final product: Amino acids absorbed into blood.