Pepsin is the name of an enzyme in the body. It is found in the stomach and is responsible for the breaking down of proteins. It splits proteins into peptones and catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins to form polypeptides. Thus it is a protease and a digestive enzyme produced by the walls of the stomach. It needs a highly acidic environment as that in the stomach.
The name pepsin is derived from a Greek word Pepsis which means digestion. This enzyme was discovered by Theodor Schwann, a German physiologist in the year 1836. The first animal enzyme to be discovered was Pepsin. This enzyme is stored as pepsinogen and is released only when required. At times this enzyme can cause severe inflammation of the esophagus in some people.
The name pepsin is derived from a Greek word Pepsis which means digestion. This enzyme was discovered by Theodor Schwann, a German physiologist in the year 1836. The first animal enzyme to be discovered was Pepsin. This enzyme is stored as pepsinogen and is released only when required. At times this enzyme can cause severe inflammation of the esophagus in some people.
