What is the difference betwen renin and rennin?
The difference between renin and rennin lies in their usage and context. Renin and rennin are two related but distinct enzymes with different functions.
1. Renin: Renin is an enzyme produced and released by specialized cells in the kidneys called juxtaglomerular cells. Its primary role is to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Renin acts on a protein called angiotensinogen, which is produced by the liver. Through a series of enzymatic reactions, renin converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin I, an inactive precursor peptide.
2. Rennin: Rennin, also known as chymosin, is an enzyme primarily found in the stomachs of young mammals, including humans during infancy. Rennin plays a crucial role in the digestion of milk. It helps coagulate milk proteins, mainly casein, into curds. This coagulation process enables the digestion and absorption of milk proteins.
To summarize:
- Renin: An enzyme produced in the kidneys that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
- Rennin: An enzyme found in the stomachs of young mammals that aids in the digestion of milk proteins.
It's important to note that while renin and rennin have similar names and both serve enzymatic functions, they are involved in different physiological processes.