Why did scientists originally hypothesize that proteolytic enzymes like pepsin and trypsin are secreted in inactive form?

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Scientists hypothesized that proteolytic enzymes like pepsin and trypsin are secreted in inactive form because if they were secreted in active form, they would digest the very tissues that synthesize them. This is because these enzymes have the ability to break down proteins and can potentially damage the cells that produce them. Hence, it is important for these enzymes to be secreted in an inactive form and then activated at the site of action.

Why Did Scientists Originally Hypothesize That Proteolytic Enzymes Like Pepsin