Zymogen cells or chief cells secrete

Options

A. HCl
B. Mucous
C. Pepsinogen
D. Trypsin

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Cells**: Zymogen cells, also known as chief cells or peptic cells, are specialized cells located in the stomach.

2. **Function of Zymogen Cells**: The primary function of zymogen cells is to secrete digestive enzymes.

3. **Specific Secretion**: Among the substances secreted by zymogen cells, the most notable is pepsinogen.

4. **Nature of Pepsinogen**: Pepsinogen is an inactive precursor (zymogen) of the enzyme pepsin.

5. **Activation of Pepsinogen**: Pepsinogen is converted into its active form, pepsin, when it comes into contact with hydrochloric acid (HCl) secreted by gastric parietal cells in the stomach.

6. **Role of Pepsin**: The active enzyme pepsin plays a crucial role in the digestion of proteins in the stomach.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that zymogen cells or chief cells secrete pepsinogen.

---