Pepsin
From Freepedia
Pepsin is a digestive protease released by the chief cells in the stomach that functions to degrade food proteins into peptides.
According to American Heritage Dictionary, pepsin derives from the Greek word pepsis, meaning digestion (peptein: to digest).
Pepsin was discovered by Theodor Schwann in 1836. It was the first animal enzyme to be discovered.
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Precursor
Pepsin is expressed as a pro-form zymogen, pepsinogen, whose primary structure has an additional 44 amino acids. Hydrochloric acid released by the parietal cells converts pepsinogen to pepsin by cleaving off the additional amino acids outside the secreting cell to avoid digestion of the cells of the stomach and pancreas (like all cells, their membranes contain protein).
Trivia
The name Pepsi is derived from pepsin.
Pepsin is also used in the preparation of cheese.
Edward E. Beeman, a Cleveland druggist, came up with a gum that incorporated a pepsin compound. He touted it as a cure for heartburn[1].
See also
Other important digestive proteases are the pancreatic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin.
External links
References
- Gustaitis, Joseph: Chewing Gum: A Quirky Trait of American Life, American History.
