noun
- an inactive enzyme precursor secreted by the stomach that is converted to pepsin by stomach acid
Usage: biochemistry
Examples
- Pepsinogen is produced by chief cells in the gastric glands.
- The conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin occurs in the acidic environment of the stomach.
- Blood tests can measure pepsinogen levels to assess stomach function.
- Pepsinogen remains inactive until it encounters hydrochloric acid.
- Low pepsinogen levels may indicate gastric atrophy.
- The enzyme pepsinogen is essential for protein digestion.