Which of the following must be reduced in simpler components before it can be transported across epithelial cells of the intestine?

Which of the following must be reduced in simpler components before it can be transported across epithelial cells of the intestine?

• A. Dipeptides
• B. Whey
• C. Casein hydrolysate
• D. Crystalline amino acids

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is whey, as it consists of proteins that need to be broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids before absorption. Whey protein is a complex form that includes various types of proteins and is not readily absorbed as is; it must undergo digestion by enzymes to yield shorter peptide chains or individual amino acids that can cross the intestinal epithelium. Dipeptides, on the other hand, are already simpler forms of proteins consisting of two amino acids and can be directly transported across intestinal cells without further breakdown. Casein hydrolysate, being a pre-digested protein form, is also composed of smaller peptides that are more easily absorbed compared to whole proteins. Crystalline amino acids are single amino acids that do not require any further breakdown for absorption, allowing for seamless transport across the epithelial cells of the intestine. Therefore, whey is the only option that must be reduced into simpler components prior to transport.

The correct answer is whey, as it consists of proteins that need to be broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids before absorption. Whey protein is a complex form that includes various types of proteins and is not readily absorbed as is; it must undergo digestion by enzymes to yield shorter peptide chains or individual amino acids that can cross the intestinal epithelium.

Dipeptides, on the other hand, are already simpler forms of proteins consisting of two amino acids and can be directly transported across intestinal cells without further breakdown. Casein hydrolysate, being a pre-digested protein form, is also composed of smaller peptides that are more easily absorbed compared to whole proteins. Crystalline amino acids are single amino acids that do not require any further breakdown for absorption, allowing for seamless transport across the epithelial cells of the intestine. Therefore, whey is the only option that must be reduced into simpler components prior to transport.