Question

If for some reason the parietal cells of the gut epithelium become partially non-functional, what is likely to happen ?

• A. The pH of stomach will fall abruptly.
• B. The pancreatic enzymes and specially the trypsin and lipase will not work efficiently.
• C. Proteins will not be completely hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Proteins will not be completely hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones.

Parietal or oxyntic cells secrete HCl (due to which pH of the stomach is highly acidic) and intrinsic factor. Parietal chief cells also secrete pepsinogen to which hydrochloric acid acts to convert it into pepsin. Pepsin in return causes digestion of protein. If parietal cells become non-functional it will directly affect protein digestion.