Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism

Digestion of Proteins

GOB Chemistry

25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism

Digestion of Proteins

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3:23 minutes

Problem 50

Textbook Question

The pancreatic proteases are synthesized and stored as zymogens. They are activated after the pancreatic juices enter the small intestine. Why is it essential that these enzymes be synthesized and stored in their inactive forms?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of pancreatic proteases: Pancreatic proteases are enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids during digestion. Examples include trypsin and chymotrypsin.

Define zymogens: Zymogens are inactive precursors of enzymes. They require a biochemical change, such as cleavage of a specific peptide bond, to become active enzymes.

Explain the necessity of zymogen storage: If pancreatic proteases were synthesized and stored in their active forms, they could digest proteins within the pancreas itself, leading to tissue damage and conditions like pancreatitis.

Describe the activation process: Zymogens are activated only after they are secreted into the small intestine, where specific enzymes (e.g., enterokinase) convert them into their active forms. This ensures that protein digestion occurs only in the appropriate location.

Summarize the importance of zymogen synthesis: Synthesizing and storing proteases as zymogens prevents premature activation and protects the pancreas from self-digestion, ensuring the enzymes function only when and where they are needed.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Zymogens

Zymogens are inactive enzyme precursors that require a biochemical change to become active enzymes. In the case of pancreatic proteases, they are synthesized as zymogens to prevent the enzymes from digesting the tissues of the pancreas itself, which could lead to damage or pancreatitis.

Activation Process

The activation of zymogens occurs in the small intestine, where they are converted into active enzymes by specific proteolytic cleavage. This process ensures that the enzymes are only activated when they reach the appropriate environment, allowing for controlled digestion of proteins without harming the pancreas.

Digestive Enzyme Regulation

The regulation of digestive enzymes is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the digestive system. By storing enzymes in their inactive forms, the body can prevent premature activation, which could lead to inappropriate digestion of bodily tissues and ensure that enzymes are only active when needed for food digestion.

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