NEET2010ZoologyDigestion and AbsorptionActual
If for some reason the parietal cells of the gut epithelium become partially non-functional, what is likely to happen?
Options
- AThe pancreatic enzymes and specially the trypsin and lipase will not work efficiently
- BThe pH of stomach will fall abruptly
- CSteapsin will be more effective
- DProteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones
Correct answer
D. Proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones
Step-by-step solution
The parietal cells or oxyntic cells are large, rounded cells located upon the surface of gastric glands. These cells secrete HCl (which converts inactive pepsinogen into active pepsin) and Castle's Intrinsic Factor or CIF (which helps in the absorption of vitamin- B₁₂ or cyanocobalamine). If somehow, parietal cells become partially non-functional, the patient will suffer from achlorhydria (no HCl ) or hypochlorhydria (less HCl ). This will result in the non-activation of pepsinogen due to which proteins will not be