Zymogen activation: pepsinogen vs. trypsinogen
Pepsinogen is converted to active pepsin by:
Answer C: explanation for every choice
A
Enteropeptidase (enterokinase) activates trypsinogen to trypsin.
B
Trypsin activates other pancreatic zymogens, such as chymotrypsinogen.
C
Correct. Stomach acid triggers pepsinogen to cleave itself, and pepsin then activates more pepsinogen.
D
Bile salts emulsify fats. They do not activate proteases.
TakeawayPepsinogen → pepsin by acid. Trypsinogen → trypsin by enteropeptidase.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb33.