Question

Trypsin a digestive enzyme occurs in which part of GI tract, acts on and works in which condition
(a) Starch in buccal cavity in an alkaline medium
(b) Protein in stomach in an acidic medium
(c) Protein in duodenum in an acidic medium
(d) Protein in duodenum in an alkaline medium

Answer 1

Hint: Trypsin is a proteolytic enzyme also known as proteinase.
Trypsin, a serine protease is an enzyme that helps us in digesting protein. It continues the process of digestion that began in the stomach in the small intestine by breaking down proteins. This enzyme is produced by the pancreas in an inactive form called trypsinogen.

Complete answer: The trypsinogen enters the small intestine through the common bile duct and is converted to active trypsin by enterokinase secreted by the cells of the small intestine. This active trypsin acts in small intestine with the other two principal digestive proteases — pepsin and chymotrypsin to break down dietary protein into peptides and amino acids by catalyzing the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in a roughly alkaline environment (about pH 8). The resulting amino acids are essential for various bodily functions.
So, the correct answer is ‘Protein in duodenum in an alkaline medium.’

Note: If our pancreas doesn’t produce trypsin in ample amounts, we can experience a digestive problem called malabsorption - the decreased ability to absorb nutrients from food. This will cause deficiencies in essential nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition and anemia. Studies indicate that trypsin may have a tumor-suppressive role in cancer progression.