Pepsin Glands in the mucous-membrane lining of the stomach make and store an inactive protein called pepsinogen.

Impulses from the vagus nerve and the hormonal secretions of gastrin and secretin stimulate the release of pepsinogen into the stomach, where it is mixed with hydrochloric acid and rapidly converted to the active enzyme pepsin. The digestive power of pepsin is greatest at the acidity of normal gastric juice (pH 1.52.5). In the intestine the gastric acids are neutralized (pH 7), and pepsin is no longer effective. In the digestive tract pepsin effects only partial degradation of proteins into smaller units called peptides, which then either are absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream or are broken down further by pancreatic enzymes. Small amounts of pepsin pass from the stomach into the bloodstream, where it breaks down some of the larger, or still partially undigested, fragments of protein that may have been absorbed by the small intestine. Trypsin and Chymotrypsin trypsin, enzyme that acts to degrade protein; it is often referred to as a proteolytic enzyme, or proteinase. Trypsin is one of the three principal digestive proteinases, the other two being pepsin and chymotrypsin. In the digestive process, trypsin acts with the other proteinases to break down dietary protein molecules to their component peptides and amino acids. Trypsin continues the process of digestion (begun in the stomach) in the small intestine where a slightly alkaline environment (about pH 8) promotes its maximal enzymatic activity. Trypsin, produced in an inactive form by the pancreas, is remarkably similar in chemical composition and in structure to the other chief pancreatic proteinase, chymotrypsin. Both enzymes also appear to have similar mechanisms of action; residues of histidine and serine are found in the active sites of both. The chief difference between the two molecules seems to be in their specificity, that is, each is active only against the peptide bonds in protein molecules that have carboxyl groups donated by certain amino acids. For trypsin these amino acids are arginine and lysine, for chymotrypsin they are tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, methionine, and leucine.

Elastase Elastase breaks down elastin, an elastic fiber that, together with collagen, determines the mechanical properties of connective tissue.

Exopeptidases

Exopeptidases are enzymes present with the gastrointestinal tract which cleave di- and tripeptides into their constituent amino acids. They differ from endopeptidases in that they target terminal peptide bonds. Carbopeptidases An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of a terminal amino acid from the end of a peptide or polypeptide that contains a free carboxyl group. Aminopeptidases Aminopeptidases catalyze the cleavage of amino acids from the amino terminus of protein or peptide substrates. Dipeptidases the final enzymes in the protein splitting system of digestion. They complete the task of breaking two-amino-acid dipeptides into single amino acids.

Functions of Amino Acids in the Body and their Food Sources

Non-Essential Amino Acids: Definition and Functions Non essential amino acids are amino acids that can be produced in our body. Their uses and functions in our body are equally as important as the limiting amino acids. The difference is that those kind of amino acids can be found in our food. Alanine: Removes toxic substances released from breakdown of muscle protein during intensive exercise. Side effects: Excessive alanine level in the body is associated with chronic fatigue. Cysteine: Component of protein type abundant in nails, skin and hair. It acts as antioxidant (free radical scavenger), and has synergetic effect when taken with other antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Cystine: The same as cysteine, it aids in removal of toxins and formation of skin. Glutamine: Promotes healthy brain function. It is also necessary for the synthesis of RNA and DNA molecules. Glutathione: Is antioxidant and has anti-aging effect. It is useful in removal of toxins.

Glycine: Component of skin and is beneficial for wound healing. It acts as neurotransmitter. The side effect of high level glycine in the body is that it may cause fatigue. Histidine: Important for the synthesis of red and white blood cells. It is a precursor for histamine which is good for sexual arousal. Improve blood flow. Side effects of high dosage of histidine include stress and anxiety. Serine: Constituent of brain proteins and aids in the synthesis of immune system proteins. It is also good for muscle growth. Taurine: Necessary for proper brain function and synthesis of amino acids. It is important in the assimilation of mineral nutrients such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. Threonine: Balances protein level in the body. It promotes immune system. It is also beneficial for the synthesis of tooth enamel and collagen. Asparagine: It helps promote equilibrium in the central nervous systemaids in balancing state of emotion. Apartic acid: Enhances stamina, aids in removal of toxins and ammonia from the body, and beneficial in the synthesis of proteins involved in the immune system. Proline: plays role in intracellular signalling. Arginine: plays role in blood vessel relaxation, stimulating and maintaining erection in men, production of ejaculate, and removal of excess ammonia from the body. Essential Amino Acids: Isoleucine - needed in regulating sugar and the energy levels, as well as in the formation of hemoglobin. This amino acids is transformed and converted into muscle tissue. Lack of this AA produces a symptom similar to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Leucine - an important amino acid is found in animal and vegetable proteins. It is important for controlling the blood sugar level. Lysine - important for the construction of proteins principally in muscles and bones. Helps the assimilation of calcium, to obtain greater mental concentration and helps to lessen the effects of colds, flu and the herpes virus. Helps in the production of hormones, antibodies, enzymes, and the formation of collagen. The deficiency of this amino acid produces: fatigue, irritability, anemia, and hair loss. Methionine - help to remove poison wastes from the liver and take part in the formation of the liver and kidney tissues. Help the digestive system, weak muscles, fragile hair, and is beneficial for osteoporosis.

Phenylalanine - help against depression, obesity, and loss of memory. An important element in the production of collagen, the principal fibrous protein in the body. Due to its action in the central nervous system, these amino acids decrease the pain associated with migraines, menstruation, and arthritis. Phenylalanine should not be taken by pregnant women or those who suffer from high blood pressure. Tryptophan - helps control hyperactivity in children, alleviates stress, and is good for the heart. It helps in weight control and allows the growth of the hormones necessary for the production of Vitamin B6 and Niacin. The brain utilizes this amino acid to produce Seratonina and Melatonina, neurotransmitters necessary for transferring nervous impulses from one cell to another. The lack of them (Serotonine and Melatonine) produces depression, loss of sleep, and other mental disorders. Threonine - found in the heart, central nervous system and muscles. It is beneficial in the formation of collagen and elastin. Helps the liver and maintain the body's proteins in balance. Valine - has a stimulating effect. It maintains the metabolism of muscles, repairs tissues and balances nitrogen. Valine should be combined with leucine and isoleucine .