Which of the following pH values is the best for the action of the enzymes - renin and pepsin in the
stomach?
Answer Details
The enzymes renin and pepsin are produced and work in the stomach to help break down food. The best pH for the action of these enzymes is pH2.
This is because the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HCl) which lowers the pH of the stomach to around pH2. This acidic environment helps activate both renin and pepsin, allowing them to function properly.
Renin works to coagulate milk proteins in infants, while pepsin is responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
At a pH of 7 or higher, the stomach would become too alkaline, and the enzymes would not work as efficiently. This is because alkaline environments are not conducive to the action of acidic enzymes like renin and pepsin.
So, in summary, a pH of 2 is the best for the action of renin and pepsin in the stomach because it provides the optimal acidic environment for these enzymes to function properly.