× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
w
3
w
3
e
3
3
r
3
b
2
M
2
V
2
f
2
c
2
c
2
K
2
Home Q & A Board Biology-Related Homework Help Biochemistry
New Topic  
lexus3431 lexus3431
wrote...
Posts: 44
Rep: 0 0
12 years ago
What happens to pepsin activity as it reaches the small intestine?
Read 1585 times
2 Replies

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
#1
12 years ago
The small intestine releases bicarbonate to buffer the acidic pH of pepsin. (pH in the stomach is 2 - very acidic).  So pepsin isn't actively involved in the digestive process in the small intestine.  It's job in the stomach is to digest proteins, in the small intestine, this job is done by trypsin which is made in the pancreas.
wrote...
#2
12 years ago
Pepsin works best at a pH of 2.0. This is why it works very well in the acidic conditions of the stomach. In the small intestine, the pH is about 8.0, which is too high for Pepsin. Thus, it denatures in the small intestine.
New Topic      
Quick Reply
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  503 People Browsing
Start New Topic Take the Tour CoursesNew Study Tools Topics Trending Browse by Textbook
Live Chat
Related Images
  
 230
  
 253
  
 313
Your Opinion
Which 'study break' activity do you find most distracting?
Votes: 824
Previous poll results: Which country would you like to visit for its food?