Fill in the Blank QuestionFill in the blank question.The acid content of the stomach then converts inactive into the active enzyme .

The acid content of the stomach then converts inactive pepsinogen into the active enzyme pepsin.

Explanation

The stomach primarily utilizes a strong acidic environment, mainly due to hydrochloric acid (HCl), to activate digestive enzymes. Pepsinogen is secreted by the stomach lining as an inactive precursor (zymogen) to prevent it from digesting the stomach itself. When pepsinogen is exposed to the acidic pH of the stomach, it undergoes a conformational change, leading to its conversion into pepsin. Pepsin is the active enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, thus initiating the process of protein digestion. This activation mechanism is essential for protecting the gastric epithelium and also ensuring that protein digestion occurs efficiently in the digestive system.