Function of HCI in stomach is to-

Options

A. Kill micro-organism of food
B. Facilitate absorption of food
C. Dissolve enzymes secreted by gastric glands
D. Active trypsinogen to trypsin

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Source of HCl**: HCl (hydrochloric acid) is secreted by the parietal cells located in the lining of the stomach.

2. **Understand the Functions of HCl**: HCl has several important functions in the stomach:
- **Denaturation of Proteins**: HCl helps to denature dietary proteins, which means it unfolds the protein structures, making them easier for enzymes to digest.
- **Killing Microorganisms**: HCl creates an acidic environment that is hostile to many microorganisms, effectively killing bacteria and other pathogens present in food.
- **Activation of Enzymes**: HCl activates the enzyme pepsinogen, which is secreted in an inactive form. In the presence of HCl, pepsinogen is converted into pepsin, an active enzyme that further digests proteins.

3. **Evaluate the Options**:
- The first option states that HCl kills microorganisms in food, which is correct.
- The second option mentions facilitating the absorption of food, which is not a direct function of HCl.
- The third option suggests that HCl dissolves enzymes secreted by gastric glands, which is misleading as HCl does not dissolve enzymes.
- The fourth option incorrectly states that HCl activates trypsinogen into trypsin; this is incorrect because trypsinogen is activated by enterokinase in the intestine, not HCl.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the functions of HCl and the evaluation of the options, the correct answer is that the function of HCl in the stomach is to kill microorganisms present in food.

**Final Answer**: The function of HCl in the stomach is to kill microorganisms of food.

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