Chymotrypsin

Definition

Chymotrypsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the pancreas that plays a vital role in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides in the small intestine. It is secreted as an inactive precursor called chymotrypsinogen, which is activated by trypsin in the intestinal lumen. Chymotrypsin specifically targets peptide bonds adjacent to aromatic amino acids, which makes it essential for protein digestion and absorption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chymotrypsin is synthesized as an inactive zymogen (chymotrypsinogen) in the pancreas to prevent damage to pancreatic tissue.
2. Once activated, chymotrypsin functions best at an alkaline pH found in the small intestine, allowing it to effectively digest dietary proteins.
3. Chymotrypsin cleaves peptide bonds at specific sites near aromatic amino acids like phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine.
4. The activation of chymotrypsin from its precursor involves a series of conformational changes that enhance its enzymatic activity.
5. Deficiencies or dysfunctions in chymotrypsin production can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and various digestive disorders.

Review Questions

• How does the activation process of chymotrypsin relate to its function in protein digestion?
  • Chymotrypsin is activated from its inactive form, chymotrypsinogen, by trypsin in the small intestine. This activation is critical because it ensures that chymotrypsin only works where it is needed, preventing premature protein breakdown in the pancreas. Once active, chymotrypsin specifically targets peptide bonds near aromatic amino acids, effectively facilitating the digestion of dietary proteins into absorbable units.
• Discuss the importance of chymotrypsin's specificity for aromatic amino acids in relation to overall protein digestion.
  • Chymotrypsin's ability to cleave peptide bonds specifically adjacent to aromatic amino acids is significant because these residues are common in many proteins. This specificity enhances the efficiency of protein digestion by ensuring that a wide variety of dietary proteins can be effectively broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids. As a result, this allows for better absorption in the small intestine and meets the body's nutritional needs more effectively.
• Evaluate the potential health implications of impaired chymotrypsin production or function on human nutrition and digestive health.
  • Impaired production or function of chymotrypsin can lead to significant health issues, including malabsorption syndromes where essential nutrients are not adequately absorbed. This can result in deficiencies that affect overall health, growth, and immune function. Furthermore, improper protein digestion may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or diarrhea. Understanding these implications highlights the importance of chymotrypsin in maintaining digestive health and adequate nutrition.

Related terms

Protease: An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids.

Trypsin: A serine protease that activates chymotrypsinogen into chymotrypsin and also digests proteins in the small intestine.

Pancreas: An organ that produces digestive enzymes, including chymotrypsin, and hormones like insulin, playing a crucial role in digestion and metabolism.