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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?
A
Absorbing nutrients
B
Producing bile
C
Activating pepsinogen to pepsin
D
Neutralizing stomach pH
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach: Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid secreted by the parietal cells in the stomach lining.
Recognize that hydrochloric acid creates an acidic environment in the stomach, which is crucial for various digestive processes.
Identify the role of hydrochloric acid in activating digestive enzymes: Hydrochloric acid converts pepsinogen, an inactive enzyme precursor, into pepsin, an active enzyme that digests proteins.
Eliminate incorrect options: Hydrochloric acid does not absorb nutrients, produce bile, or neutralize stomach pH. Instead, it maintains an acidic pH necessary for enzyme activity.
Conclude that the primary role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is to activate pepsinogen to pepsin, facilitating protein digestion.