What type of macromolecule does peptidase facilitate the digestion of?

• A. Fats
• B. Carbohydrates
• C. Proteins
• D. Nucleotides

Answer: (C)

Peptidase is an enzyme specifically involved in the digestion of proteins. Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids that must be broken down into smaller peptides and eventually into individual amino acids for absorption in the digestive system. Peptidases, also known as proteases, hydrolyze the peptide bonds that link amino acids together in protein molecules. This enzymatic activity is crucial for protein digestion and allows the body to utilize the amino acids absorbed into the bloodstream for various physiological functions, including tissue repair, enzyme synthesis, and production of hormones.

The focus of peptidases on breaking down proteins distinguishes their role from other types of digestive enzymes that process fats and carbohydrates. Fats are digested by lipases, while carbohydrates are broken down by amylases and other carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. Nucleotides, which are the building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), are processed by nucleases and not by peptidases. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific function of peptidase in targeting proteins during the digestion process.