The initial step in the digestion of milk in humans is carried out by ...
In humans, the milk protein digesting enzyme in stomach is pepsin. In calves it is rennin. It is also present in small amounts in human infants but not adults. Pepsin acts on water soluble 'caseinogen' (milk protein) to form soluble 'casein' This combines with calcium salts to form insoluble calcium paracaseinate, which gets readily digested enzymatically.
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The initial step in the digestion of milk in humans is carried out by ...
The Initial Step in Digestion of Milk in Humans
The initial step in the digestion of milk in humans is carried out by an enzyme called pepsin. Pepsin is a gastric enzyme that is secreted by the stomach lining and is responsible for breaking down proteins in the food we eat.
Explanation
Milk is a rich source of proteins, and the digestion of these proteins begins in the stomach. When milk is consumed, it is mixed with gastric juices that contain pepsin. Pepsin breaks down the proteins in milk into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can then be further digested and absorbed in the small intestine.
Pepsin works optimally at a pH of about 1.5 to 2.5, which is the acidic environment of the stomach. The acidic environment is created by the secretion of hydrochloric acid by the stomach lining. The acidic environment is necessary for the activation of pepsin and the breakdown of proteins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the initial step in the digestion of milk in humans is carried out by the gastric enzyme pepsin. Pepsin breaks down the proteins in milk into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can be further digested and absorbed in the small intestine. The acidic environment of the stomach is necessary for the activation of pepsin and the breakdown of proteins.