Rennin
Rennin
Rennin (/ˈrɛnɪn/), also known as chymosin (/ˈkaɪməsɪn/), is a proteolytic enzyme related to pepsin that synthesized by chief cells in the stomach. Its role in the digestive system is to curdle or coagulate milk in the stomach, a process of considerable importance in the digestion of milk by young animals.
Etymology
The term "rennin" comes from the Latin word rennet, which means "to set milk". The term "chymosin" is derived from the Greek word chymos, meaning "juice".
Function
Rennin is secreted by the chief cells in the stomach lining. It is an enzyme that curdles milk by transforming the milk protein caseinogen into casein, which forms clumps and slows the movement of milk in the stomach. This allows more time for the baby animal to digest the milk proteins. In humans, the production of rennin decreases and is replaced by the production of pepsin as we age.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
- Proteolytic: The breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids.
- Chief cells: A type of cell in the stomach that releases pepsinogen and chymosin.
- Casein: The main protein present in milk and cheese.
- Pepsin: The chief digestive enzyme in the stomach, which breaks down proteins into polypeptides.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rennin
- Wikipedia's article - Rennin
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