Which digestive enzyme, active in the acidic environment of the stomach, primarily breaks down proteins?

Explanation

Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the stomach that becomes active in the presence of hydrochloric acid and works specifically to break down proteins into smaller peptide fragments. This enzyme is initially produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which the stomach acid then converts into active pepsin, protecting the stomach’s own lining from being digested prematurely. Further protein digestion continues in the small intestine with additional enzymes produced by the pancreas. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.