Pepsin is secreted as an inactive precursor called pepsinogen because
- pepsin as an enzyme is quickly destroyed by the alkaline food from the mouth
- all digestive enzymes pass through a precursor stage
-
pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme and might attack the stomach tissues
- pepsin is not required in large quantities
The correct answer is: C
Explanation
Pepsin is secreted as an inactive precursor, called pepsinogen to prevent it from digesting the cells and tissues that produce it.
By secreting pepsinogen, the stomach can control the activation of pepsin which usually occurs whenever pepsinogen comes in contact with Hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The acid environment triggers a conformational change in pepsinogen,allowing it to convert into pepsin.
This mechanism ensures that pepsin is only activated when it is needed. i.e Whenever food is ingested through the mouth and gets into the stomach, and helps protect the stomach lining and other tissues from damage.