Protein In The Digestive System Lab Report
Protein in the Digestive System
Taylor Adams
Biol 112- 501
18 April 2016
Introduction Proteins are found in nearly all foods that we eat. Once the food we eat makes its way to our stomachs, pepsinogen is released from chief cells. This enzyme mixes with hydrochloric acid in the stomach and begins to break down the proteins. Along with the stomach, the small intestine is also an important location for protein breakdown. The proteins from both locations are broken down into amino acids, then are sent throughout the body by the blood stream and cells. The experiment in the following sections is observing the role the pancreatic enzymes play in breaking down proteins. Distilled water, pancreatic enzyme, and liquid protein …show more content…
In Tube A, only water and liquid protein are tested on. The Ninhydrin is used to detect amino acids in the solution and changes to a pink/purple when they are present. Since Tube A stayed clear, it means that there were no amino acids present in the solution.
In Tube B, pancreatic extract and liquid protein were used. The Ninhydrin turned purple when added to the solution, suggesting that the solution had amino acids present.
This demonstrated the role that enzymes like pepsin and trypsin play in the body when breaking down proteins. When there are no amino acids detected in the final solution, it means that the protein was not broken down at all. This was the case in Tube A. Tube B did have amino acids present, meaning that the pancreatic extract did its job by breaking down the liquid protein into amino acids.
This process is extremely important in our bodies digestive system. As we ingest and begin to digest foods, our bodies release enzymes for all of the different types of nutrients we take in. This allows us to absorb all that our bodies need from these elements, and distribute them to the proper body systems for
Taylor Adams
Biol 112- 501
18 April 2016
Introduction Proteins are found in nearly all foods that we eat. Once the food we eat makes its way to our stomachs, pepsinogen is released from chief cells. This enzyme mixes with hydrochloric acid in the stomach and begins to break down the proteins. Along with the stomach, the small intestine is also an important location for protein breakdown. The proteins from both locations are broken down into amino acids, then are sent throughout the body by the blood stream and cells. The experiment in the following sections is observing the role the pancreatic enzymes play in breaking down proteins. Distilled water, pancreatic enzyme, and liquid protein …show more content…
In Tube A, only water and liquid protein are tested on. The Ninhydrin is used to detect amino acids in the solution and changes to a pink/purple when they are present. Since Tube A stayed clear, it means that there were no amino acids present in the solution.
In Tube B, pancreatic extract and liquid protein were used. The Ninhydrin turned purple when added to the solution, suggesting that the solution had amino acids present.
This demonstrated the role that enzymes like pepsin and trypsin play in the body when breaking down proteins. When there are no amino acids detected in the final solution, it means that the protein was not broken down at all. This was the case in Tube A. Tube B did have amino acids present, meaning that the pancreatic extract did its job by breaking down the liquid protein into amino acids.
This process is extremely important in our bodies digestive system. As we ingest and begin to digest foods, our bodies release enzymes for all of the different types of nutrients we take in. This allows us to absorb all that our bodies need from these elements, and distribute them to the proper body systems for