What is the initial enzyme released for protein digestion?

The initial enzyme released for protein digestion is pepsin. This enzyme is secreted by the stomach's gastric glands in an inactive form called pepsinogen. When pepsinogen comes into contact with the acidic environment of the stomach, it is activated to pepsin, which plays a crucial role in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides. This process is essential for the subsequent steps of digestion, which involve further breakdown and absorption of nutrients in the intestines.

Pepsin functions optimally at the low pH found in the stomach, making it particularly well-suited for the initial stages of protein digestion. While other enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin are important later in the digestive process, they are activated in the small intestine and are not the primary enzymes involved in the initial phase of protein digestion. Amylase, on the other hand, is responsible for carbohydrate digestion and is not involved in the breakdown of proteins.