Question

Protein digestion only occurs in which organs of the gastrointestinal tract?

Answer 1

When we intake proteins then our body breaks down the proteins into amino acids. Then the cells absorb the amino acids and use them to create other proteins and some other macromolecules. The protein digestion in our gastrointestinal system starts from our mouth and ends at the small intestine. Now we have to know the whole protein digestion process.

Complete answer:
The first step of protein digestion is chewing. Through chewing our teeth begins the mechanical breakdown of the large protein pieces into smaller pieces so that it can be swallowed easily. Our salivary glands give some saliva to swallow it easily. Then the smashed protein food enters into the stomach through the oesophagus and the esophageal sphincter.
The Chemical Digestion of protein –
The chemical digestion of protein starts in the stomach. The stomach releases the gastric juice which contains Hydrochloric acid (HCL) and the enzyme Pepsin. Pepsin starts breaking down the protein into smaller and smaller fragments. This breakdown requires a perfect missing and time. The powerful peristalsis of the stomach makes a uniform mixture of partially digested protein, which is called Chyme. Protein digestion in the stomach takes a larger time interval than carbohydrate digestion as compared to fat digestion which takes shorter time than protein. A high-protein meal increases the amount of time to digest the protein in the stomach. And that makes us feel full for a long time.
Then the stomach transfers the particles of the chime into the small intestine. Here the majority of protein digestion occurs. The pancreas releases digestive juice that contains Chymotrypsin and Trypsin. These two main enzymes break down the protein fragments that present in the chime. Then the enzymes secreted by the small intestine breakdown the smallest protein fragments into individual amino acids.

Note:
The main goal of protein digestion is to break down the protein into dipeptides and amino acids for absorption. If we are not eating an excessive amount of protein then very little amount of protein makes up to the small intestine. Too much intake of protein can cause smelly flatulence. Because, the excess proteins are making up to the colon where the microbes are digesting it and producing smelly gas.