What is the function of hydrochloric acid and why is it necessary in the process of digestion?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Hydrochloric acid helps denature proteins and breakdown fat. ?The strong acidity of the stomach also prevents bacterial growth and kills most bacteria that enter the body with food. It would destroy the cells of the stomach as well, but the cells of the stomach wall secretemucus, a thick, slippery, white substance that coats the cells, protecting them from the acid. The stomach enzymes work most efficiently in the stomach's strong acid, but the salivary enzymes, which are swallowed with food get denature in the stomach.

Nutritional Science

You might also like to view...

Define sensory evaluation

Nutritional Science

Which of the following products is a popular dietary supplement among American adults?

A. Poppyseed extract B. Aspirin C. Dried mango D. Melatonin

Nutritional Science

Which vitamins are important as methyl donors in homocysteine metabolism?

A. Folate and vitamin B-12 B. Vitamin B-6 and vitamin C C. Vitamin B-12 and biotin D. Vitamin A and folate

Nutritional Science

What is used to make -cell membranes -myelin sheathes -vitamin D -bile acids -hormones: cortisol, testosterone, estrogen

What will be an ideal response?

Nutritional Science