Answer to Question #173458 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Abhishek Gaurav

Question

Briefly explain the digestion, absorption and utilization of protein in our body.

Answer 1

Ingested proteins are digested in the small intestines and stomach to form amino acids. Gastric juice provides the enzyme pepsin that hydrolyses proteins to form polypeptides. Pancreatic juice and intestinal juices provide enzymes to breakdown polypeptide and dipeptide to amino acids, which are absorbed via active transport. The body utilizes the absorbed proteins/amino acids to build organs and muscles, make antibodies and hormones, store excess proteins as fats, and burn them to release energy.