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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme works in the small intestine to cleave the peptide bonds next to specific amino acids?
A
Trypsin
B
Amylase
C
Lipase
D
Pepsin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. In this case, the question is asking about an enzyme that specifically cleaves peptide bonds in the small intestine.
Recall the function of each enzyme listed: Trypsin is a protease that breaks down proteins by cleaving peptide bonds next to specific amino acids. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into sugars. Lipase breaks down lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol. Pepsin is another protease but works in the stomach, not the small intestine.
Focus on the location: The small intestine is the site of action for trypsin, which is secreted in an inactive form (trypsinogen) by the pancreas and activated in the small intestine.
Understand the specificity: Trypsin cleaves peptide bonds specifically next to certain amino acids, such as lysine and arginine, making it the correct enzyme for this function in the small intestine.
Eliminate incorrect options: Amylase and lipase do not act on proteins, and pepsin functions in the stomach, not the small intestine. Therefore, the correct enzyme is trypsin.