Pepsin,which speeds up the breakdown of protein,is classified as
An enzyme
To find the classification of pepsin, which speeds up the breakdown of protein, we can refer to the field of biochemistry.
Pepsin is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of proteins. Enzymes are classified based on their composition and the type of reaction they catalyze. Pepsin belongs to the class of enzymes called proteases.
Proteases, also known as proteinases or peptidases, are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins or peptides. They break down large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptides and amino acids.
Specifically, pepsin is classified as an endopeptidase, meaning it breaks peptide bonds within the interior of a protein or peptide chain. It cleaves proteins into smaller peptide fragments, which can then be further digested by other proteases and absorbed in the small intestine.
In summary, pepsin, which speeds up the breakdown of protein, is classified as a protease and more specifically as an endopeptidase.