The figure below shows ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The figure shows the breakdown of a protein (polypeptide) through the process of chemical digestion. Specifically, it depicts the action of the enzyme pepsin in the stomach, which breaks down proteins into smaller peptide fragments by breaking the peptide bonds between amino acids. This process involves the addition of water molecules (hydrolysis) to break these bonds. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice. Option B is not accurate as the figure depicts the breakdown of a protein, not the building of one. Option C is not correct either, as mechanical digestion refers to the physical breakdown of food, such as chewing and grinding, which is not shown in the figure. Option D is incorrect as it suggests the addition of water to add an amino acid to a protein, which is not what is occurring in the figure.

The Figure Below Shows ______