Enteropeptidase

Definition

Enteropeptidase is an enzyme produced by cells in the duodenum, which plays a critical role in the digestion of proteins by activating pancreatic proteases. It specifically converts trypsinogen into its active form trypsin, initiating a cascade of protein digestion.

Related terms

Trypsin:

An enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, activated from its precursor form trypsinogen by enteropeptidase.

Proteases: A group of enzymes whose main function is to break down proteins into their building blocks, amino acids.

Duodenum:

The first section of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, where enteropeptidase is produced and where much of the digestive process takes place