Q89 / 120 · NEET 2010 (Mains) · Zoology

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

  • A
    The pancreatic enzymes and specially the trypsin and lipase will not work efficiently
  • B
    The $\mathrm{pH}$ of stomach will fall abruptly
  • C
    Steapsin will be more effective
  • Correct answer
    D
    Proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed by pepsin into proteoses and peptones

Solution

The parietal cells or oxyntic cells are large, rounded cells located upon the surface of gastric glands. These cells secrete $\mathrm{HCl}$ (which converts inactive pepsinogen into active pepsin) and Castle's Intrinsic Factor or CIF (which helps in the absorption of vitamin- $B_{12}$ or cyanocobalamine). If somehow, parietal cells become partially non-functional, the patient will suffer from achlorhydria (no $\mathrm{HCl}$ ) or hypochlorhydria (less $\mathrm{HCl}$ ). This will result in the non-activation of pepsinogen due to which proteins will not be adequately hydrolysed into proteoses and peptones. Lack of CIF will cause vitamin- $\mathrm{B}_{12}$ deficiency, which will result in pernicious anaemia.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

Relevant Questions