Which of the following statements best explains the reason why pepsin does not digest the proteins found in the stomach's own cells?
A)Pepsin can only recognize and digest proteins in food.
B)Pepsin is released in an inactive form that is then activated by HCl in the stomach lumen.
C)Pepsin is released in an inactive form that is then activated by enterokinsase in the stomach lumen.
D)Pepsin digests starches not proteins.
E)Pepsin is not active until it reaches the alkaline pH conditions of the small intestine.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pepsin is released in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which is activated by the acidic environment created by hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach lumen. The cells lining the stomach produce a mucus layer that contains bicarbonate ions to create a more neutral pH that protects them from the acidic conditions of the stomach. Therefore, pepsin does not digest the proteins found in the stomach's own cells because they are protected by the mucus layer and because pepsin is not activated in these areas due to the neutral pH.

Which of the Following Statements Best Explains the Reason Why