Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In which part of the gastrointestinal tract is the enzyme pepsin active?
A
Large intestine
B
Esophagus
C
Small intestine
D
Stomach
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of pepsin: Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. It is crucial for the digestion of dietary proteins.
Identify the environment where pepsin is active: Pepsin requires an acidic environment to function effectively. The stomach provides this environment with its gastric acid.
Recognize the location of pepsin secretion: Pepsin is secreted by the chief cells in the stomach lining as an inactive precursor called pepsinogen.
Learn about the activation process: Pepsinogen is converted into active pepsin when it comes into contact with hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Conclude the location of pepsin activity: Given the acidic conditions and the secretion of pepsinogen, the stomach is the primary site where pepsin is active in the gastrointestinal tract.