BIO 12 UNIT 3: Study Notes

IMPORTANCE OF PH IN DIGESTIVE TRACT

• Enzymes will denature if they are not at the right pH
• Stomach pH must be acidic to kill bacteria (HCl) and for certain enzymes to activate such as PEPSIN from pepsinogen (pH 2) [breakdown of carbohydrates]
• Salivary Glands in the mouth must maintain a neutral pH for mechanical/chemical digestion to occur
• Small Intestine: pH variations to match specific digestive enzyme conditions (pancreas: sodium bicarbonate) [neutralizes acidic environment]