The pancreatic proteases are synthesized and stored as zymogens. They are activated after the pancreatic juices enter the small intestine. Why is it essential that these enzymes be synthesized and stored in their inactive forms?

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All right. Hello everyone. So this question says that protease enzymes in the pancreas are synthesized and stored as inactive precursors called zymogen. These enzymes are activated only after they enter the small intestine because these enzymes would hydrolyze the proteins of the lining of the pancreas if stored in their activated form. True or false. Now, first and foremost, recall that the concept of a zymogen of that inactive precursor is one of the many ways that the body tries to regulate enzyme activity. So let's recall what a protease does, right? Recall that a protease enzyme is one that breaks down proteins. Hence the name. So here the job of an active protease is to break down proteins into smaller components, specifically amino acids. These amino acids can therefore be absorbed by the body for further use. Now, the problem though is that our bodies are largely composed or not largely composed, but proteins make up a great deal of our bodies, right? They're very important to us in a number of different ways. And so it makes sense to say that if a protease enzyme is stored in the pancreas, it's important to regulate its activity. So that it doesn't damage the pancreas while it's active. Right? Because if the protease enzyme is active inside of the pancreas, what happens is that the pancreas could be damaged, right. That protease enzyme could start to break down the tissue of the pancreas itself. Therefore, it's very important for proteases to be stored as these inactive zymogen. Once these zymogen are secreted into the small intestine, a few things can happen. Right. So once they're in the intestine, then those proteases are going to be activated and they can carry out their function. Now, oftentimes what happens is that when these enzymes are in the small intestine, they either reach specific conditions or they encounter an enzyme that modifies the structure of the zymogen so that it becomes active. But the main point is that it's only after the protease reaches the intestine that it becomes active, therefore, reducing the risk of damage to the pancreas. And so from there, we've arrived at our final answer which reads that the statement is true. Protease enzymes are stored as inactive zymogen to prevent them from damaging the pancreas and they are only activated in the small intestine and there you have it. So with that being said, thank you so very much for watching. And I hope you found this helpful

The pancreatic proteases are synthesized and stored as zymogens. They are activated after the pancreatic juices enter the small intestine. Why is it essential that these enzymes be synthesized and stored in their inactive forms?

Verified Solution

Key Concepts

Zymogens

Activation of Enzymes

Digestive Safety Mechanism