Question

The reason for producing pepsin in the form of inactive 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

Pepsin enzyme is secreted by gastric glands of the stomach as inactive pepsinogen to protect the cells of these secretory glands from strong protein digesting action of the enzyme. The inactive form of the enzyme is activated by acidic pH of stomach lumen and the stomach wall is protected by mucus lining. Thus, the correct answer is B.