How does hydrochloric acid help in facilitating the action of pepsin?

Hydrochloric acid creates an acidic medium which facilitates the action of the enzyme pepsin.

The correct answer is Option (1) – Hydrochloric acid creates an acidic medium which facilitates the action of the enzyme pepsin.

• Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the stomach that helps break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.
• However, pepsin is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen.
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl), secreted by the stomach lining, creates a highly acidic environment in the stomach (pH between 1.5 and 2).
• This acidic environment activates pepsinogen, converting it into its active form, pepsin.
• Once activated, pepsin can efficiently break down proteins in food as the stomach churns the food mixture.

In summary, hydrochloric acid plays a crucial role in creating the optimal acidic conditions required for pepsin to function effectively in protein digestion within the stomach.