Question

Chief function of HCl is

• A. To maintain a low pH to prevent growth of microorganisms.
• 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 gastric juice is made up of hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen and other digestive enzymes, intrinsic factor, gastrin, mucus, and bicarbonates. It has a pH ranging from 1 to 2. Its low pH is essential in activating digestive enzyme pepsinogen and convert it into the pepsin fro protein digestion and in destroying various pathogens. Thus, the correct answer is option C.