Question

If for some reason the parietal cells of the gut epithelium become partially non-functional, what is likely to happen?

• A. The pancreatic enzymes and specially trypsin and lipase will not work efficiently
• B. Proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones
• C. The pH of stomach will fall abruptly
• D. Steapsin will be more effective

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Parietal or oxyntic cells secrete HCl (due to which pH of stomach is highly acidic) and intrinsic factor. Parietal glands also secrete pepsinogen to which hydrochloric acid acts to convert it into pepsin. Pepsin in return causes digestion of protein. If parietal cells become non-functional it will directly affect protein digestion.