Pepsin

Definition

Pepsin is an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides during digestion.

Related terms

Protease: An enzyme that performs proteolysis, protein catabolism by hydrolysis of peptide bonds.

Enzyme:

A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

Digestion: The process in the alimentary canal by which food is broken up physically, as by the action of the teeth, and chemically, as by the action of enzymes, and converted into a substance suitable for absorption and assimilation into the body.