Pepsin is an enzyme of the stomach which breaks the peptide bonds of the protein and forms polypeptide chains. These polypeptide chains then moves into the ileum of the small intestine where digestion will be completed by the other three enzymes- trypsin, chymotrypsim and carboxypeptidase. Ileum is the longest and final part of the small intestine where these three enzymes complete the digestion of the polypeptide chains finally.

Pepsin is an enzyme of the stomach which breaks the peptide bonds of the protein and forms polypeptide chains. These polypeptide chains then moves into the ileum of the small intestine where digestion will be completed by the other three enzymes- trypsin, chymotrypsim and carboxypeptidase. Ileum is the longest and final part of the small intestine where these three enzymes complete the digestion of the polypeptide chains finally.

Protein digestion in the Ileum

Protein digestion is a crucial process that breaks down proteins into smaller components called amino acids. These amino acids can then be absorbed and utilized by the body for various functions such as growth, repair, and energy production. Protein digestion primarily occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, starting from the stomach and continuing in the small intestine.

1. Stomach
Protein digestion begins in the stomach, where the enzyme pepsin is secreted by the gastric glands. Pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptide chains by breaking the peptide bonds between amino acids. The acidic environment in the stomach, maintained by hydrochloric acid, helps activate pepsin and facilitates protein digestion.

2. Duodenum
After partially digested proteins leave the stomach, they enter the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Here, the partially digested proteins are further broken down by pancreatic enzymes. The pancreas releases enzymes such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase, which hydrolyze the peptide chains into smaller peptides.

3. Ileum
The ileum is the final part of the small intestine and is the primary site for nutrient absorption. In the ileum, the remaining small peptides are further broken down by enzymes called peptidases. These peptidases, including aminopeptidases and dipeptidases, break the peptides into individual amino acids.

4. Absorption of amino acids
Once the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, they can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the ileum. The amino acids are then transported to various cells and tissues throughout the body to be used for protein synthesis or other metabolic processes.

In conclusion, while protein digestion starts in the stomach and continues in the duodenum, it is in the ileum where the final breakdown of small peptides into individual amino acids occurs. The ileum also plays a crucial role in the absorption of these amino acids into the bloodstream, allowing them to be utilized by the body for various physiological functions.