During protein digestion, proteases convert a swallowed tripeptide into three free amino acids. Which statement correctly describes this chemical change?

Core Concept

Peptide bonds join amino acids through condensation reactions that release one water molecule per bond formed. Digestion reverses this process by hydrolysis, an enzyme-catalyzed reaction that splits each peptide bond by adding the components of water, so an OH fragment returns to one product and an H to the other. Cleaving the two peptide bonds of a tripeptide therefore consumes two water molecules and regenerates three free amino acids. The products can then be absorbed by intestinal cells and reused in translation.