Function of HCl in stomach is to

Options

A. Kill microorganisms of food
B. Facilitate absorption of food
C. Dissolve enzymes
D. Activate pepsinogen to pepsin

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Substance**: The question asks about the function of HCl (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach.

2. **Source of HCl**: HCl is secreted by the gastric glands in the stomach as part of gastric juice.

3. **Components of Gastric Juice**: Gastric juice contains not only HCl but also the enzyme pepsin and mucus.

4. **Function of Pepsin**: The enzyme pepsin is responsible for digesting proteins. However, it requires an acidic environment to function effectively.

5. **Role of HCl**: The primary function of HCl in the stomach is to create an acidic medium, which is essential for the activation of pepsinogen (the inactive form of pepsin) into pepsin.

6. **Additional Functions**: While the main function of HCl is to activate pepsinogen, it also has secondary functions, such as killing microorganisms that may enter the stomach with food.

7. **Conclusion**: The main function of HCl in the stomach is to activate pepsinogen to pepsin, which is crucial for protein digestion.

### Final Answer:
The function of HCl in the stomach is to activate pepsinogen to pepsin.

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