Pepsin is -

Options

A. Inactive proteolytic gastric enzyme
B. Active proteolytic gastric enzyme
C. Active enzyme of pancreatic juice
D. Active lipolytic enzyme

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pepsin**: Pepsin is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of proteins in the stomach.

2. **Source of Pepsin**: Pepsin is produced in the stomach by specialized cells called peptic cells, which are part of the gastric glands.

3. **Formation of Pepsinogen**: The peptic cells secrete an inactive precursor known as pepsinogen. This is important because it prevents the enzyme from digesting the cells that produce it.

4. **Role of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)**: The gastric glands also contain auxintic cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl). When pepsinogen comes into contact with HCl, it undergoes a transformation.

5. **Activation of Pepsinogen**: The acidic environment created by HCl activates pepsinogen, converting it into its active form, pepsin.

6. **Function of Pepsin**: Once activated, pepsin acts as a proteolytic enzyme, meaning it breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, facilitating digestion.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, pepsin is classified as an active proteolytic gastric enzyme.

**Final Answer**: Pepsin is an active proteolytic gastric enzyme.

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