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Multiple Choice
Which biomolecule does hydrochloric acid primarily denature in the stomach?
A
Lipids
B
Nucleic acids
C
Carbohydrates
D
Proteins
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach: Hydrochloric acid creates an acidic environment (low pH) in the stomach, which is essential for digestion and enzyme activation.
Recall the structure of proteins: Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, and their function depends on their specific three-dimensional structure.
Learn how HCl affects proteins: The acidic environment disrupts the hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions that maintain the protein's tertiary and quaternary structure, causing the protein to unfold or denature.
Recognize why denaturation is important: Denatured proteins are more accessible to digestive enzymes, such as pepsin, which breaks them down into smaller peptides and amino acids.
Confirm that other biomolecules are not primarily affected: Lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates are not denatured by HCl in the stomach; their digestion involves other processes and enzymes.