Which of the following statements is true about the function of pepsinogen?

Pepsinogen is a precursor enzyme that plays a crucial role in protein digestion. It is produced by the chief cells in the stomach lining and is secreted in an inactive form to prevent it from digesting the cells that produce it. Once in the acidic environment of the stomach, pepsinogen is cleaved to its active form, pepsin, which then begins the process of breaking down proteins into smaller peptides. This action is essential for initiating the digestion of dietary proteins.

The correct statement emphasizes the specific role of pepsin in aiding protein digestion within the stomach, highlighting its importance in the digestive process. Understanding this function is vital for recognizing how proteins are metabolized in the body.