Proteolytic enzyme are released in zymogen form”

• Proteolytic enzymes can digest cellular proteins; if secreted in active form, they may cause autodigestion, especially of pancreas and gastric mucosa.Hence, these enzymes are synthesized and secreted as zymogens (inactive precursors).
• Zymogens lack proteolytic activity, preventing tissue damage . This mechanism protects enzyme-producing cells, pancreatic tissue, and gastric mucosa from self-digestion.
• Zymogens are activated only at the site of action by limited proteolysis, e.g
  • Pepsinogen → Pepsin (by HCl in stomach)
  • Trypsinogen → Trypsin (by enterokinase in intestine)