In the human body, proteins are essential molecules in organisms and have a multitude of functions ranging from providing tensile strength to bones and tendons to providing storage and transportation of necessary substances such as O2 and iron throughout the body. Hence, within the body's cells, proteins from foods must first be separated into their constituent amino acids. Then these amino acids are used to construct the proteins needed by our body.

To break down a protein into its constituent amino acids, the cell uses a hydrolysis reaction. The protein reacts with a water molecule to produce an amino acid and a new smaller protein. The enzyme carboxypeptidase A is secreted by the pancreas and is used to speed up this hydrolysis reaction.



http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Carboxypeptidase/...

see website, though used in a completely different environment though: it's certainly dicarboxyl*ic* something