How does hydrochloric acid help in facilitating the action of 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.