Which enzyme secreted by the pancreas digests proteins?

Which enzyme secreted by the pancreas digests proteins?

• A. Pancreatic proteases
• B. Pancreatic amylase
• C. Pancreatic lipase
• D. Pepsin

Answer: (A)

Protein digestion relies on proteolytic enzymes. The pancreas releases pancreatic proteases in inactive forms that are activated in the small intestine, with enzymes like trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidases breaking peptide bonds to yield shorter peptides and amino acids for absorption. The other enzymes listed don’t digest proteins: amylase breaks down starch (carbohydrates), lipase breaks down fats, and pepsin is produced in the stomach and functions there in acidic conditions. So, the pancreatic proteases are the enzymes that digest proteins.

Protein digestion relies on proteolytic enzymes. The pancreas releases pancreatic proteases in inactive forms that are activated in the small intestine, with enzymes like trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidases breaking peptide bonds to yield shorter peptides and amino acids for absorption. The other enzymes listed don’t digest proteins: amylase breaks down starch (carbohydrates), lipase breaks down fats, and pepsin is produced in the stomach and functions there in acidic conditions. So, the pancreatic proteases are the enzymes that digest proteins.