[Campbell Biology P.956] Which statement accurately differentiates the initial roles of hydr... | Practice Question

Which statement accurately differentiates the initial roles of hydrochloric acid HCl and pepsin in protein digestion within the stomach?

  • A: HCl directly cleaves peptide bonds, while pepsin denatures proteins.
  • B: Both HCl and pepsin denature proteins, but only HCl activates enzymes.
  • C: HCl denatures proteins and increases exposure of peptide bonds, while pepsin cleaves these exposed peptide bonds.
  • D: Pepsin dissolves iron nails, and HCl acts as a protease.

Explanation

HCl's role is to denature unfold proteins, making their peptide bonds more accessible. Pepsin, a protease, then specifically cleaves these exposed peptide bonds, breaking proteins into smaller polypeptides.