Pepsinogen C is a protein molecule found in the stomach. The spelling of this word in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˌpɛpsɪnoʊdʒən siː/. In the transcription, the stressed syllables are indicated by a ˌ symbol, indicating that the emphasis is on the first syllable of "pepsinogen" and the second syllable of "C". The vowel sound in "pepsinogen" is represented by /ɛ/, while the vowel sound in "C" is represented by /iː/. Knowing how to read and pronounce the IPA transcription can help in communicating scientific terms more accurately.
Pepsinogen C, also known as gastric pepsinogen or progastricsin, is an enzyme precursor produced and stored in the gastric cells of the stomach. It is among the inactive proteolytic enzymes secreted into the stomach, which play a crucial role in the digestion and breakdown of proteins.
The synthesis and secretion of pepsinogen C are regulated by various factors, including neural and hormonal stimuli. When food enters the stomach, it stimulates the release of the hormone gastrin, which in turn triggers the secretion of pepsinogen C. Once released into the stomach lumen, pepsinogen C is activated to its active form, pepsin, through the action of an acidic environment.
Pepsinogen C is responsible for initiating the proteolytic process in the stomach. It cleaves peptide bonds in dietary proteins, breaking them down into smaller peptides. These smaller peptides are then further broken down by other proteases, including pepsin itself, into even smaller units called amino acids, which are easily absorbed by the body.
The presence of pepsinogen C in the stomach is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Any disruption in its synthesis or secretion can result in impaired protein digestion, leading to various digestive disorders. Additionally, abnormal levels of pepsinogen C may indicate certain diseases, such as stomach cancer or gastritis, which require further medical investigation and intervention.
In summary, pepsinogen C is an enzyme precursor produced and secreted by the gastric cells of the stomach, playing a pivotal role in the initial digestion of proteins. Activation of pepsinogen C results in the formation of the active protease pepsin, which breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, facilitating their absorption in the digestive system.
The word Pepsinogen C is derived from the combination of pepsinogen and C.
- Pepsinogen originates from the Greek word pepsis, meaning digestion, and the suffix -gen, indicating that it is a precursor or generator of pepsin. Pepsinogen is an inactive form of the enzyme pepsin, which aids in the digestion of proteins in the stomach.
- C in this context stands for chief. The enzyme is primarily found in the chief cells of the stomach lining, hence the name Pepsinogen C.