Question

Is pancreatic juice acidic or alkaline?

Answer 1

Pancreatic juices:

1. Pancreatic juices are majorly composed of bicarbonates.
2. Enzymes present in pancreatic juices are lipase (helps in digesting fatty acids) and amylase (helps in digestion of amylose).
3. The function of the pancreatic juice is to digest and break down large sugars, fats, and starches into smaller assimilable molecules.
4. These enzymes are alkaline.
5. Hence, their optimum pH level is 7-14.
6. The alkaline pH helps to activate the pancreatic enzymes secreted by the acinar cells.
7. The alkaline pH also helps to neutralize the acidic pH of HCl acid secreted into the duodenum from the stomach.