Question

What is the use of HCl secreted by the stomach?

• A. Converts pepsin to pepsinogen
• B. Does not help in the digestion of protein
• C. Converts pepsinogen to pepsin
• D. Helps in the survival of bacteria

Answer 1

The correct option is C Converts pepsinogen to pepsin

HCl is one of the constituents of gastric juice, which is secreted by the stomach. HCl provides the acidic pH to convert pepsinogen (inactive) into pepsin (active). Pepsin digests proteins by breaking them down into proteoses and peptones. HCl also helps to destroy bacteria as well as other harmful microorganisms.