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Multiple Choice
Which of the following secretions converts pepsinogen to pepsin in the digestive system?
A
Bile
B
Pancreatic lipase
C
Salivary amylase
D
Hydrochloric acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of pepsinogen in the digestive system: Pepsinogen is an inactive enzyme precursor secreted by the chief cells in the stomach lining.
Recognize the function of pepsin: Pepsin is an active enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides in the stomach.
Identify the process of activation: Pepsinogen is converted into pepsin through a process called proteolytic activation, which involves the cleavage of specific peptide bonds.
Determine the agent responsible for activation: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), secreted by the parietal cells in the stomach, provides the acidic environment necessary for the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin.
Conclude the role of hydrochloric acid: By lowering the pH of the stomach, hydrochloric acid facilitates the conversion of pepsinogen to its active form, pepsin, enabling protein digestion to occur efficiently.