Pepsin breaks the polypeptide chains into shoner chains.

Single amino acids travel through the bloodstream to the

lo tre liver.
Mechanical digestion results in the formation of a bolus.
Pancreatic enzymes
cleave pentide bonds. leaving dipeptides,
moeouldes. and.
single amino acids.
Stomach acid dendures proteins.
Enzymes from the small intestine lining act on protein remnants, breaking them into single amino acids, which are absorbed into the cells of the lining.
Take a bite of scrambled eggs.
Amino acids are used by the body.

1 answer

The process of protein digestion begins when you take a bite of scrambled eggs. Here's a summary of how it occurs:

  1. Mechanical Digestion: When you chew, mechanical digestion occurs, forming a bolus (a soft mass of chewed food) that is then swallowed.

  2. Stomach Digestion: Once in the stomach, the first major phase of chemical digestion begins. The gastric juice, which is highly acidic, denatures the proteins in the food. This denaturation unravels the protein structures, making them more accessible to enzymes.

  3. Action of Pepsin: The enzyme pepsin, which is activated in the acidic environment of the stomach, breaks down the denatured proteins into shorter polypeptide chains.

  4. Small Intestine Digestion: The partially digested proteins then move into the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, cleave the peptide bonds further, producing dipeptides, tripeptides, and free amino acids.

  5. Absorption: Enzymes on the lining of the small intestine continue to break down any remaining peptide fragments into single amino acids and smaller peptides. These are then absorbed through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream.

  6. Transport to the Liver: Once in the bloodstream, single amino acids travel to the liver, where they are utilized for various bodily functions, including protein synthesis, energy production, and as building blocks for other important molecules.

  7. Utilization of Amino Acids: The amino acids obtained from the digestion of proteins like scrambled eggs are essential for various biological processes, including the formation of new proteins that the body needs for growth, repair, and maintenance.

This system is a well-coordinated process that ensures that proteins from the diet are efficiently broken down and made available for the body’s numerous functions.