Question

Chief function of HCl is ________

• A. To maintain a low pH to promote growth of microorganism
• B. To facilitate absorption
• C. To maintain low pH to activate pepsinogen to form pepsin
• D. To dissolve enzyme secreted in stomach

Answer 1

The correct option is C To maintain low pH to activate pepsinogen to form pepsin

The chief function of HCl in the stomatch is to maintain low pH to activate pepsinogen to form pepsin. HCl converts inactive pepsinogen into the active pepsin enzyme. The pepsin helps in the breaking down proteins in the stomach. HCl also kills bacteria that enter the stomach. It also helps in digestion of other foods in the stomach.

Thus, the correct answer is 'To maintain low pH to activate pepsinogen to form pepsin.'