AAMC FL Practice Exam

What is the primary function of trypsin in digestion?

1. Degrades carbohydrates

2. Degrades nucleic acids

3. Degrades proteins

4. Degrades lipids

The correct answer is: Degrades proteins

The primary function of trypsin in digestion is to degrade proteins. Trypsin is a serine protease enzyme that is produced in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine, where it plays a crucial role in protein digestion. It specifically breaks down peptide bonds in the protein chain, resulting in smaller peptides and amino acids that can be easily absorbed by the intestinal lining. By cleaving proteins into smaller, more manageable pieces, trypsin facilitates the overall process of protein digestion, enabling the body to utilize the amino acids derived from these proteins for various physiological needs, such as building tissues and synthesizing enzymes and hormones.