Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Which enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of proteins during digestion?

1. Amylase

2. Lipase

3. Protease

4. Cellulase

The correct answer is: Protease

The enzyme responsible for the breakdown of proteins during digestion is protease. Proteases play a crucial role in the digestive process by catalyzing the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins, leading to the formation of smaller peptides and ultimately amino acids. This breakdown is essential for the body to utilize proteins effectively from the food consumed. In the digestive system, proteases are secreted by various organs, including the stomach (where pepsin is a well-known example) and the pancreas (which produces several types of proteases). The activity of these enzymes ensures that dietary proteins are adequately digested, allowing the body to absorb the resulting amino acids for various physiological functions, such as tissue repair and hormone production. Understanding this enzymatic function is fundamental in both nutrition and biochemistry, highlighting the importance of enzymes in facilitating the digestion and absorption of nutrients critical for health.