In the process of digestion of food in human beings, two protein-digesting enzymes are secreted. Name the enzymes along with the glands that secrete them.
In the process of digestion of food in human beings, two protein-digesting enzymes are secreted. Name the enzymes along with the glands that secrete them.
The two major protein-digesting enzymes secreted in the human digestive system, along with their secreting glands, are:
- Pepsin
- Secreting Gland: Gastric glands (located in the muscular wall of the stomach).
- Role: Initiates protein digestion in the stomach under highly acidic conditions ().
- Trypsin
- Secreting Gland: Pancreas (secreted as part of pancreatic juice into the small intestine).
- Role: Continues the breakdown of proteins into simpler peptides/amino acids in an alkaline medium.
Marking Scheme
- 1Naming 'Pepsin' and identifying its source as 'Gastric glands' (or stomach wall). (1 mark)
- 2Naming 'Trypsin' and identifying its source as 'Pancreas'. (1 mark)
Hint
One enzyme acts in the highly acidic environment of the stomach, while the other is secreted by a dual-function gland near the duodenum and acts in an alkaline environment.
Quick Oral Answer
The two protein-digesting enzymes are pepsin, secreted by the gastric glands in the stomach, and trypsin, secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine.
Analysis & Explanation
According to Section 5.2.4 of the NCERT text, digestion of proteins occurs in stages. In the stomach, gastric glands release hydrochloric acid, mucus, and the inactive/active enzyme pepsin. Pepsin requires an acidic medium to function. Later, in the small intestine, the pancreas secretes pancreatic juice containing trypsin. Trypsin requires an alkaline medium, which is prepared by the action of bile juice secreted by the liver.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing the secreting gland of trypsin with the small intestine walls (which secrete intestinal juice, not trypsin).
- 2Spelling 'pepsin' or 'trypsin' incorrectly, or pairing them with the wrong glands (e.g., writing that pepsin is secreted by the pancreas).
Interesting Facts
Pepsin is secreted in an inactive form called pepsinogen to prevent it from digesting the very cells of the gastric glands that produce it!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2023?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Life Processes" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Nutrition in Human Beings" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper?
This is a Very Short Answer question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper.