Question

Will an enzyme from the stomach be equally effective in the small intestine? Briefly explain your answer.

Answer 1

Ans: No, an enzyme from the stomach will not be equally effective in the small intestine.

Explanation: Enzymes require a definite pH range (optimum pH) in which they are most active or effective. enzymes of the stomach like pepsin are only effective at the acidic pH but the pH of the small intestine is alkaline, hence enzyme from the stomach will not be equally effective in the small intestine.

Background information:

In the stomach, the acidic environment is maintained by hydrochloric acid secreted by gastric glands (present in the wall of the stomach). From the stomach, the food travels into the small intestine. This food is acidic and enzymes of small intestine require alkaline pH. So bile (secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder) is mixed with food in the small intestine and makes the medium alkaline so that enzymes of the small intestine can work.