Comparison between pepsin and pepsinogen

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Let me share with you a comparison between pepsin and pepsinogen.

Aspect Pepsin Pepsinogen
Introduction Enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach Inactive precursor of pepsin, secreted by gastric chief cells
Form Active enzyme Inactive proenzyme
Activation Derived from pepsinogen through exposure to acidic environment in the stomach Secreted in an inactive form and activated by hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach
Function Catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins, breaking them down into smaller peptides Serves as a precursor to pepsin.
Optimal pH pH 1.5 to 2.5 (highly acidic) Activated at low pH, typically below 5
Regulation Not regulated by direct feedback inhibition Secretion and activation are tightly regulated by hormonal and neural signals to control digestive processes
Location of Action Active in the stomach, particularly in the gastric lumen Activated in the stomach for the purpose of initiating protein digestion
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