Describe how protein are digested as they move through the alimentary canal of a human being

Protein digestion begins in the stomach. Step 1: In the stomach, hydrochloric acid (HCl) denatures proteins, unfolding their complex structures. HCl also activates the enzyme pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin. Step 2: Pepsin then breaks down large protein molecules into smaller polypeptide chains. Step 3: These polypeptides move into the small intestine. Here, enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin, secreted by the pancreas, further break down the polypeptides into even smaller peptides. Step 4: Finally, enzymes called peptidases (e.g., dipeptidases, aminopeptidases) located on the brush border of the small intestine's lining break down these smaller peptides into individual amino acids. Step 5: These amino acids are then absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream and transported to cells throughout the body for assimilation. What's next? 📸