Hydrochloric acid — role?
Creates low pH to denature microbes and prime pepsin.
Hydrochloric acid role
Creates low pH, denatures microbes, primes pepsin
Enzymes — function?
Speed up reactions without being consumed.
Pepsin activity dependence
Depends on optimal stomach pH
Enzymes vs mechanical digestion
Enzymes break molecules; physical breakdown is mechanical
Digestive organs list
Mouth, salivary glands, oesophagus, stomach, small/large intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder
Function of bile
Neutralises acid, emulsifies fats for digestion
Fat emulsification process
Breaks large fat droplets into smaller ones
Small intestine regions
Duodenum for digestion, ileum for absorption
Test your knowledge with 3 questions on Digestive System: Enzymes and Absorption.
1. What is one important effect of hydrochloric acid in the stomach that also helps pepsin work effectively?
2. What is the primary role of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice?
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