What is pepsin primarily made of?

Pepsin is primarily a digestive enzyme that is categorized as a protease, meaning its main function is to break down proteins into smaller peptides. It is indeed composed of amino acids arranged in a specific sequence, which forms a linear chain, but this structure allows it to fold into a functional three-dimensional shape necessary for its enzymatic activity.

The correct understanding of pepsin’s composition lies in recognizing that it is not present as short polypeptides merely linked together; rather, it is synthesized and secreted as a functionally active polypeptide chain, which is subsequently cleaved from a precursor form known as pepsinogen. Upon cleavage in the acidic environment of the stomach, pepsin becomes active and functions to hydrolyze proteins into shorter peptides.

To clarify, the other options suggest inappropriate components. While amino acids are indeed foundational to pepsin’s structure, the emphasis on linear chains might lead to confusion about the active form. Simple sugars bound to amino acids is indicative of glycoproteins or other such molecules, which does not apply to pepsin. Finally, fats and fatty acids do not play a role in the structure or function of pepsin, as pepsin solely operates in the context of protein