Question

State the function of the following
(a) pepsin
(b) HCI
(c) Bile
(d) Saiva

Answer 1

(a) Pepsin: Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme secreted in the stomach that is involved in the breakdown of proteins.

(b) HCl: HCl provides an acidic medium for food to be digested, it stops the activity of amylase and helps activate pepsinogen by converting it into its active form pepsin.

(c) Bile: Bile helps break down fats into fatty acids and also acts as a medium for excretion of bilirubin, a by-product of the breakdown of RBC's.

(d) Saliva: It has a lubricating effect and helps in swallowing and chewing food. Saliva also contains enzymes such as salivary amylase that helps break down starch into its simpler form.