How is protein digested in the human gut?

Protein digestion begins in the stomach by the secretion of gastric juice, a combination of Hydrochloric acid and the enzyme Pepsin. Food then passes into the duodenum, or small intestine, where pepsin works alongside Trypsin and Chymotrypsin (produced by the pancreas) to further break the protein down into polypeptides. These polypeptides are then further broken down into amino acids by various exopeptidases and dipeptidases, and are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the differences between DNA and RNA?


What is the difference between the pulmonary and systemic circuits of the cardiovascular system?


Describe & Compare the differences in the structure & location of DNA & RNA


what is the structure of a skeletal muscle?