What is the role of the acid in our stomach?

Question

Answer

Hydrochloric acid present in our stomach is to make the medium of gastric juice acidic so that the enzyme pepsin can digest the protein properly......Another function of hydrochloric acid is that it kills any bacteria which may enter the stomach with food......

Answer

1) kills the germs 2)activate pepsin for digesting protein by providing acidic medium to act

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It kills the germs which we take with our food

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Change food into acidic medium and facilate the work of pepsin enzymes and kills germs which enter through food which we eat

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1) provide acidic medium for pepsin to work2) destroy germs in the food

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It helps to make medium acidic as pepsin works only on acidic medium.moreover it also helps in breaking down complex food materials into simpler one.

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It provides an acidic medium which facilitates the action of enzyme called pepsin....   besides it kills bacteria which may enter thorough our food which we eat

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HCl makes acidic medium of our stomach to kill bacteria as well as for pepsin  enzymes so they could work proparly

Answer

The Role of Acid in Our Stomach

The acid in our stomach, known as gastric acid or stomach acid, plays a crucial role in the digestion process. It is primarily composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and various enzymes, and its main function is to break down the food we consume into smaller particles that can be easily absorbed by our body. The acid also serves as a defense mechanism against harmful bacteria and other pathogens that may enter our digestive system.

1. Acid Secretion

The cells in the stomach lining called parietal cells are responsible for producing and secreting gastric acid. When we eat, signals from the brain and the presence of food in the stomach stimulate the release of a hormone called gastrin. Gastrin, in turn, triggers the parietal cells to release HCl into the stomach.

2. Proteins Digestion

One of the primary functions of stomach acid is to aid in the digestion of proteins. The low pH of gastric acid (around 1-3) helps denature proteins, which means it unfolds their complex structures, making them more accessible to enzymes for further breakdown. The enzyme pepsin, which is activated by the acidic environment, breaks down proteins into smaller peptide chains.

3. Activation of Enzymes

Stomach acid also plays a crucial role in activating enzymes necessary for digestion. For example, pepsinogen, an inactive form of pepsin, is released by specialized cells in the stomach lining. Once in contact with the acidic environment, pepsinogen is converted into pepsin, the active enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins.

4. Antimicrobial Protection

The highly acidic environment in the stomach acts as a defense mechanism against ingested bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The low pH of gastric acid helps to kill or inactivate many microorganisms that may be present in the food we consume. This antimicrobial effect helps to prevent infections and protects our digestive system.

5. Nutrient Absorption

While the stomach primarily breaks down food, it also plays a minor role in nutrient absorption. Some nutrients, such as certain drugs and alcohol, can be absorbed through the stomach lining directly into the bloodstream. However, most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, where the partially digested food from the stomach is further broken down and absorbed.

In conclusion, the acid in our stomach is essential for the digestion of food, particularly proteins. It helps break down proteins into smaller particles, activates enzymes, and provides antimicrobial protection. Without stomach acid, our body would struggle to extract the necessary nutrients from the food we eat.

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What is the role of acid in our stomach?

What is role of acid in our stomach?

what is the role of acid in our stomach

What is the role of the acid in our stomach?

Heyy! Can anyone explain thiss ? • what is the role of acid in our stomach? - ques. Of ncert Frm bio chp. 06?

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