Q Why do protease-supplying cells of the stomach and of the pancreas make only precursors of the active proteolytic enzymes?
The stomach and the pancreas make zymogens of the proteases pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin and these zymogens are released into the duodenal lumen or gastric for activation. This happens to prevent the digestion of these organs' (pancreas and stomach) own tissues and cells by the active form of the enzymes so the production of zymogens is a protective strategy against the natural effects of the proteolytic enzymes.