What role does trypsin play in digestion?

Trypsin plays a crucial role in digestion through its proteolytic action, which refers to its function in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form known as trypsinogen, trypsin is activated in the small intestine where it begins to cleave peptide bonds in proteins. This enzymatic activity is essential for the proper digestion of dietary proteins, allowing the body to absorb the amino acids necessary for various physiological functions, including tissue repair, enzyme synthesis, and hormone production.

The other options do not accurately describe trypsin's function. Trypsin does not digest carbohydrates or fats; those processes are primarily handled by amylases and lipases, respectively. Additionally, while trypsin can influence certain hormones by activating proenzymes, its primary role is not in hormone activation but rather in the digestion of protein. Its specificity for peptide bonds makes trypsin a vital enzyme in the digestive process, significantly impacting nutrient absorption.