What is a zymogen giving reference to an example?

A zymogen is the inactive form of an enzyme. For instance the enzyme pepsinogen is produced by chief cells in the gastric pits. Pepsinogen is a zymogen. Hydrochloric acid produced by the parietal cells of the gastric pit work to cleave a peptide bond forming pepsin, which can now work to digest proteins in the stomach.

LD
Answered by Laurence D. Biology tutor

8126 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain the different valves of the heart and why they are important?


What does an oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve show?


how does the chemical structure of amino acids lead to variable physical structures of proteins


Describe and explain the function of the loop of henle and suggest how its structure may differ in organisms adapted to a desiccated environment.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning