Protein digestion
- Pronunciation
- /PROH-teen diges-TAY-shun/
- Category
- Physiology
Definition
The process by which proteins are broken down into smaller molecules such as amino acids.
Etymology
From the Greek words 'proteios', meaning 'primary' or 'of first importance' and 'digestio', from the Latin 'digerere' meaning 'to separate'.
Example
The digestive enzymes in the insect gut break down proteins into smaller molecules.