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pepsinógeno

Pepsinógeno, also known as pepsinogen, is a zymogen, or inactive precursor, of the enzyme pepsin. It is primarily produced by the chief cells of the stomach's gastric glands. Pepsinógeno is a single-chain polypeptide with a molecular weight of approximately 80 kDa. Its primary function is to convert into the active enzyme pepsin in the acidic environment of the stomach.

The conversion of pepsinógeno to pepsin occurs through a process called autolysis, where the acidic environment

Pepsinógeno is also found in the saliva of some animals, including humans, where it plays a role

of
the
stomach
lowers
the
pH,
causing
the
pepsinógeno
molecule
to
unfold
and
split
into
two
active
chains:
the
C-terminal
chain,
which
remains
attached
to
the
N-terminal
chain,
and
the
N-terminal
chain,
which
becomes
the
active
pepsin
enzyme.
This
activation
is
crucial
for
the
digestion
of
proteins
in
the
stomach.
in
the
initial
stages
of
protein
digestion.
However,
in
humans,
the
primary
role
of
pepsinógeno
is
within
the
stomach.
The
levels
of
pepsinógeno
can
be
influenced
by
various
factors,
including
diet,
age,
and
certain
medical
conditions.
Abnormal
levels
of
pepsinógeno
may
indicate
underlying
health
issues,
such
as
gastric
ulcers
or
other
gastrointestinal
disorders.