Biology 2012 JAMB Past Questions - Question 17: A function of the hydrochloric acid produced in the human stomach during digestion is to

Correct Answer

C

Explanation

Ptyalin is a salivary enzyme produced in the mouth in alkaline medium of sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate IV ( o l d nomenclature sodium bicarbonate). The food called bolus (ie. food mixed with saliva) gets into the stomach where hydrohloric acid stops the action of ptyalin. The acid does this, by reacting or neutralizing the alkali (sodium bicarbonate). Bile produced in the liver and . stored in the gall bladder is discharged into the duodenum- the first part of the small intestine and not in the stomach. Coagulation of protein in the milk is carried out by an enzyme called Rennin while emulsification of fats is done by bile salt