If for some reason the parietal cells of the gut epithelium become partially non-functional, what is likely to happen?

Options

(a) The pancreatic enzymes and specially the trypsin and lipase will not work efficiently
(b) The pH of stomach will fall abruptly
(c) Steapsin will be more effective
(d) Proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones

Correct Answer:

Proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones

Explanation:

Parietal or oxyntic cells secrete HCI (due to which pH of stomach is highly acidic) and intrinsic factor. Parietal chief cells also secrete pepsinogen to which hydrochloric acid acts to convert it into pepsin. Pepsin in return causes digestion of protein. If parietal cells become non-functional it will directly affect protein digestion.