Trypsin differs from pepsin in which of the following aspeet

Options

A. it digests proteins im alkaline medium and not in acidic medium
B. it digests proteins in acidic medium and not in alkaline medium
C. it digests dipeptides
D. it digests tripeptides

Answer

To determine how trypsin differs from pepsin, we need to analyze the characteristics and functions of both enzymes.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Source of Enzymes**:
- Trypsin is produced in the pancreas and is secreted into the small intestine (duodenum).
- Pepsin is produced in the stomach.

**Hint**: Remember where each enzyme is produced and where they act.

2. **Activation of Enzymes**:
- Trypsin is secreted as an inactive precursor called trypsinogen, which is activated by the enzyme enterokinase in the small intestine.
- Pepsin is secreted as pepsinogen and is activated by hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach.

**Hint**: Consider how each enzyme is activated and the conditions required for activation.

3. **Optimal pH for Activity**:
- Trypsin functions optimally in an alkaline medium, with a pH around 7.8.
- Pepsin functions optimally in an acidic medium, with a pH around 1.8.

**Hint**: Think about the pH levels in the stomach versus the small intestine.

4. **Function of Enzymes**:
- Trypsin digests proteins into smaller peptides in an alkaline environment.
- Pepsin digests proteins into smaller peptides in an acidic environment.

**Hint**: Focus on the type of environment each enzyme requires for protein digestion.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above points, the main difference between trypsin and pepsin is that trypsin digests proteins in an alkaline medium, while pepsin digests proteins in an acidic medium. Therefore, the correct answer is:
- **A: It digests proteins in alkaline medium and not in acidic medium.**

### Summary of Differences:
- **Trypsin**:
- Source: Pancreas
- Activation: Trypsinogen activated by enterokinase
- Optimal pH: Alkaline (around 7.8)

- **Pepsin**:
- Source: Stomach
- Activation: Pepsinogen activated by HCl
- Optimal pH: Acidic (around 1.8)