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

The Correct Option is B

The question asks what would happen if the parietal cells of the gut epithelium become partially non-functional. To understand this, we need to delve into the role of parietal cells in the digestive system:

1. Function of Parietal Cells: Parietal cells are located in the lining of the stomach and are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid is crucial for creating an acidic environment in the stomach.
2. Role of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):
   • HCl provides an acidic medium which is necessary for the activation of pepsinogen to pepsin.
   • Pepsin is an enzyme that helps break down proteins into smaller peptides like proteoses and peptones.
3. Implications of Partial Non-functionality of Parietal Cells:
   • If parietal cells are partially non-functional, the production of HCl decreases, leading to a higher pH in the stomach.
   • Without sufficient HCl, pepsinogen will not convert efficiently into pepsin, compromising protein digestion.
   • This results in proteins not being adequately hydrolysed into proteoses and peptones.

Now, let's evaluate the options provided:

• The pancreatic enzymes and specially trypsin and lipase will not work efficiently: This is incorrect because the functioning of pancreatic enzymes primarily depends on the environment in the small intestine, not directly on parietal cell function.
• Proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones: This is correct as explained above due to reduced HCl and impaired activation of pepsin.
• The pH of the stomach will fall abruptly: This is incorrect; in fact, the opposite occurs. The pH would rise due to less HCl being produced.
• Steapsin will be more effective: Steapsin (lipase) functions in the small intestine and is not directly affected by stomach pH changes. This statement is irrelevant in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is that proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones due to the reduced functionality of the parietal cells affecting HCl production.