Question

A drop of hydrochloric acid can burn many layers of skin immediately; why is it then secreted in the stomach?

• A. Hydrochloric acid activates the microorganisms present in food
• B. Hydrochloric acid is a byproduct of digestion; it is removed by the liver
• C. Hydrochloric acid activates some enzymes.
• D. Hydrochloric acid breaks complex food molecules into simpler ones.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Hydrochloric acid activates some enzymes.

The hydrochloric acid kills many bacteria that enter along with the food and makes the medium in the stomach acidic and helps the digestive juices to act. The digestive juices break down the proteins into simpler substances. Mucus secreted in stomach protects the wall of stomach from this acid.