Why must the pH values of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine be different?
1 Answer
Aug 12, 2016
The macromolecules present in food are stable and not likely to be digested in to simple compounds in the absence of enzymes.
Explanation:
Enzymes function optimally at a particular pH and this is different for different enzymes.
Example: Salivary amylase for example, functions best in a slightly acid solution and the pH of saliva usually ranges from 6.5 to 6.8, slightly on the acid side of neutral.
Example: Pepsin is the protein-digesting enzyme present in the stomach, functions best in highly acid pH and this is provided by the hydrochloric acid secreted by the digestive glands of the stomach.
