The loss of stomach acid would have the greatest effect on the digestion of:Question 72Answera.Carbohydratesb.Proteinsc.Nucleic acidsd.Fatse.Vitamins

The loss of stomach acid would have the greatest effect on the digestion of proteins.

Here's why:

1. Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid, is primarily composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid is crucial for the initial stages of protein digestion.

2. Proteins are large, complex molecules that need to be broken down into smaller units, called amino acids, before they can be absorbed by the body.

3. The process begins in the stomach, where the acidic environment denatures the protein, or changes its shape, to make it more accessible to enzymes.

4. The enzyme pepsin, which is activated by stomach acid, then begins to break down the protein into smaller peptides.

5. Without stomach acid, this process would be significantly hindered, making it difficult for the body to digest and absorb proteins.

So, the loss of stomach acid would have the greatest effect on the digestion of proteins.