Question

The cells lining the stomach secrete pepsin in an inactive form called pepsinogen. This pepsinogen gets converted into active pepsin at a low pH. The production of pepsinogen is to

• A. Preserve the active site
• B. Protect the secreting cells
• C. Raise the pH of the liquid inside the stomach
• D. Ensure that the enzyme is active when food is present
• E. Prevent the enzyme from breaking down carbohydrate

Answer 1

The correct option is B Protect the secreting cells

Stomach cells produce pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins. To prevent pepsin from digesting the very cells that produce it, an inactive precursor -- pepsinogen -- is secreted. Pepsinogen is converted to pepsin after touching hydrochloric acid secreted by other stomach cells and thus protects the secreting cells of stomach.