TThese peptides are the result of non-specific proteolysis as part of the digestive cycle. During digestion, enzymes break down proteins into smaller peptide fragments. These digested peptides are generally ribosomal peptides, although they are not synthesized on the ribosome of the organism that contains them. Instead, they are the remnants of proteins originally produced by ribosomal processes in other organisms, such as dietary sources.
Digested peptides are also produced through the action of specific proteases, such as Trypsin, which plays a crucial role in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides. This process is particularly important in preparing samples for analytical techniques, like mass spectrometry, where peptides must be in smaller, more manageable fragments to be accurately identified and studied. In mass spectrometry, Trypsin digestion is a common preparatory step, ensuring that proteins are broken down into peptides that can be effectively analyzed, providing insights into protein composition, function, and interactions.