Identify the function of the enzyme trypsin.

The correct answer is Digesting Proteins.

Key Points

• Trypsin
  • ​The function of the enzyme trypsin is to digest proteins.
  • By breaking up lengthy chains of amino acids into smaller pieces, the enzyme trypsin in the early part of the small intestine initiates the breakdown of protein molecules.
  • It is a serine protease from the PA clan superfamily that hydrolyzes proteins in the digestive tracts of numerous animals.
  • When the pancreatic enzyme trypsinogen, in the proenzyme form, is activated, trypsin is generated in the small intestine.
  • The carboxyl side of the amino acids lysine or arginine is where trypsin primarily breaks peptide chains. It is employed in a variety of biotechnological procedures.

Additional Information

• One significant protease, trypsin, has the unique ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide and ester bonds with lysine and arginine amino acids at the carboxyl-terminus.
• Additionally, an autocatalytic, trypsin produces additional trypsin by converting trypsinogen.
• In addition to its basic function of breaking down dietary protein, trypsin also transforms the other two zymogens into chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidase.