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What is the Role of the Acid in Our Stomach?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
Role of acid in our stomach is to help us digest the food we consume. When food enters our stomach, it is broken down by enzymes and digestive juices. This is where the acidic nature of our stomach becomes important. By breaking down the proteins so they can be absorbed by our bloodstream. Also, the acid in our stomach helps kill the harmful bacteria that enter our body along with the food.
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Role of Acid in Our Stomach
The role of acid in our stomach is to help the digestion of food. The acid present in our stomach is called Hydrochloric acid or HCl. It has a pH level of 1. HCl activates the inactive pepsinogen into pepsin which further helps in the digestion of proteins. Later, HCl is secreted by the oxyntic cells in the stomach which results in the lowering of PH levels.
- Hydrochloric acid breaks down food which is then split into proteins by the digestive enzymes.
- It breaks the proteins into smaller pieces to facilitate better absorption in the bloodstream.
- HCl makes our stomach acidic to help pepsin to do its work.
- Acid in our stomach also helps kill any germs or harmful bacteria in the food consumed to protect the body from any infections.
- Hydrochloric acid also breaks down fat molecules so they get absorbed and provide energy to the body.
Role of Hydrochloric Acid in Stomach
Hydrochloric acid is formed when hydrogen chloride is dissolved in water. Its nature is strongly acidic and it does not have any color. Hydrochloric acid or HCl is corrosive and is a commonly used reagent.
Hydrochloric acid is also the acid that is naturally present in our stomach. It breaks down the food to help its absorption into the blood. The reason HCl does not cause any damage to the stomach is because of the mucus lining. Hydrochloric acid plays an important role in our stomach and overall digestion.
Summary:
What is the Role of the Acid in our Stomach?
The role of acid in our stomach is to aid the process of digestion. HCl helps in breaking down proteins and fats so that they can be absorbed into our bloodstream. The acid is later secreted to maintain the pH levels of the body. It is an essential part of the digestion process.
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