Which enzyme is responsible for converting polypeptides into amino acids?

The enzyme responsible for converting polypeptides into amino acids is trypsin. Trypsin is a proteolytic enzyme, meaning it breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and ultimately into amino acids through the process of hydrolysis. This enzyme is produced in the pancreas and released into the small intestine, where it acts on polypeptides to cleave them into shorter chains and, eventually, into individual amino acids that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

In the context of digestion, trypsin plays a vital role in protein metabolism; without it, the body would struggle to utilize proteins from food effectively. Once proteins are broken down into amino acids, these building blocks can be used for various functions in the body, including building new proteins and supporting metabolic processes.