Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Two roles of hydrochloric acid (HCl) secreted by gastric glands:

1. Creates acidic medium: HCl makes the stomach contents acidic, which is necessary for the enzyme pepsin to function and digest proteins.
2. Kills harmful bacteria: The acidic environment destroys microorganisms that may enter the stomach along with food, preventing infection.

Source: Chapter 5, Section 5.2.4 – Nutrition in Human Beings

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The textbook explicitly states that HCl "creates an acidic medium which facilitates the action of the enzyme pepsin." The second role (killing germs) is implied by the textbook's question "What other function do you think is served by the acid?" — examiners expect this standard answer. Always name pepsin when mentioning the first role, as it earns the mark. Both points together cover 2 marks.