Renin vs. Rennin — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
Renin is an enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure, while rennin is an enzyme aiding in milk digestion.
Difference Between Renin and Rennin
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Renin and rennin are both enzymes, but they serve different purposes in the body. Renin plays a pivotal role in the body's regulation of blood pressure, particularly in the renin-angiotensin system. Rennin, on the other hand, is found in the stomach and helps in the coagulation of milk.
Renin is produced by the kidneys and is released when there's a decrease in blood flow or sodium chloride. Its main function is to convert angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, a precursor of a potent vasoconstrictor. In contrast, rennin is commonly associated with young mammals, assisting them in breaking down the proteins in mother's milk.
The significance of renin in medical terms is profound. An imbalance in its levels might lead to hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions. Rennin, while important for infant mammals, has less prominence in human adults as its production decreases with age, giving way to other digestive enzymes.
Chemically speaking, renin and rennin have different structures and are categorized differently based on their functions. Their naming similarity often leads to confusion, but it's essential to note that their roles in the body are vastly different.
Commercially, rennin has found its use in the cheese-making process. The enzyme helps curdle the milk, facilitating the cheese's texture and form. Renin, given its medical significance, is often a subject of research in the pharmaceutical realm.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Regulates blood pressure
Aids in milk digestion
Produced By
Kidneys
Stomach
Associated with
Cardiovascular health
Digestion in young mammals
Role in Commercial Use
Pharmaceutical research
Cheese-making
Chemical Nature
Part of renin-angiotensin system
Helps coagulate milk proteins
Compare with Definitions
Renin
Converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I.
Renin's primary function is to start the cascade of reactions in the renin-angiotensin system.
Rennin
An enzyme coagulating milk proteins.
Rennin helps infants digest mother's milk efficiently.
Renin
Associated with cardiovascular health.
Monitoring renin levels can give insights into a patient's heart health.
Rennin
Not to be confused with renin.
Though their names sound similar, rennin's function is different from renin.
Renin
An enzyme from the kidneys regulating blood pressure.
Abnormal renin levels can lead to hypertension.
Rennin
Declines in humans as they grow.
Adult humans produce very little rennin compared to infants.
Renin
Part of the body's fluid balance mechanism.
The role of renin in maintaining fluid balance is paramount.
Rennin
Essential for cheese-making processes.
Cheese manufacturers often use rennin to curdle milk.
Renin
Released in response to reduced blood flow.
When blood flow to the kidneys drops, renin is released.
Rennin
Found in the stomachs of young mammals.
As mammals age, the production of rennin diminishes.
Renin
Renin (etymology and pronunciation), also known as an angiotensinogenase, is an aspartic protease protein and enzyme secreted by the kidneys that participates in the body's renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS)—also known as the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis—that mediates the volume of extracellular fluid (blood plasma, lymph and interstitial fluid) and arterial vasoconstriction. Thus, it regulates the body's mean arterial blood pressure.
Rennin
An enzyme that catalyzes the coagulation of milk, obtained from the fourth stomach of calves and other young ruminants or from genetically engineered microorganisms and used in making cheeses and junkets. Also called chymosin.
Renin
An enzyme released by the kidneys that cleaves a plasma protein to produce an inactive form of angiotensin which is then converted to an active form that raises blood pressure.
Rennin
(enzyme) A proteolytic enzyme, obtained from the gastric juice of the abomasum of calves, used to coagulate milk and make cheese.
Renin
(enzyme) A circulating enzyme released by mammalian kidneys that converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. Due to its activity which ultimately leads to the formation of angiotensin II and aldosterone, this hormone plays a role in maintaining blood pressure.
Rennin
A milk-clotting enzyme obtained from the true stomach (abomasum) of a suckling calf. Mol. wt. about 31,000. Also called chymosin, rennase, and abomasal enzyme.
Renin
A proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys; catalyzes the formation of angiotensin and thus affects blood pressure
Rennin
An enzyme that occurs in gastric juice; causes milk to coagulate
Common Curiosities
Where is renin produced?
Renin is produced by the kidneys.
Are renin and rennin the same?
No, renin regulates blood pressure, while rennin aids in milk digestion.
Are renin and rennin chemically the same?
No, they have different structures and functions in the body.
Why do infants produce rennin?
Infants produce rennin to help digest the proteins in mother's milk.
What is rennin's role in the body?
Rennin helps in the coagulation of milk, aiding digestion in young mammals.
Why is rennin important for cheese-making?
Rennin helps curdle milk, essential for the cheese's texture and formation.
Do adults produce rennin?
Adult humans produce very little rennin, as its primary role is in digesting mother's milk.
Is renin associated with any health conditions?
Yes, imbalances in renin can lead to hypertension or other cardiovascular issues.
Can renin levels affect blood pressure?
Yes, abnormal renin levels can lead to issues like hypertension.
How is renin involved in the renin-angiotensin system?
Renin starts the cascade by converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
