Question

What is the role of the HCl (hydrochloric acid) present in the stomach?
1. Destroying unwanted microorganisms (bacteria) that may enter via food
2. Providing optimum pH for pepsinogen to get converted to pepsin

• A. Both statements 1 and 2
• B. Only statement 1
• C. Neither statement 1 nor statement 2
• D. Only statement 2

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both statements 1 and 2

HCl or hydrochloric acid present in the stomach provides the optimum pH necessary for the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin. Pepsin is responsible for breaking down protein. HCl also helps in destroying the unwanted bacteria that may enter via food. So, both the statements are correct.