Trypsin

Definition

Trypsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the pancreas that plays a crucial role in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides during digestion. It is activated from its precursor form, trypsinogen, in the small intestine.

Related terms

Pancreas: An organ in the abdominal cavity that produces digestive enzymes, including trypsin, and hormones like insulin.

Protease: A general term for enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins into peptides or amino acids.

Amino acids: The building blocks of proteins; what proteins are broken down into during digestion for absorption by the body