- Pepsin enzyme
This is a stomach enzyme produced by the gastric chief cells. This enzyme is secreted in its inactive form, pepsinogen, and activated in the stomach lumen. Its function is to break down protein found in food into smaller peptides, i.e. the enzyme in charge of digesting proteins.
-Gastric mucus
This substance is secreted by the epithelial cells of the stomach, its function is to create a protective barrier around the stomach wall to prevent damage caused by the digestive enzymes and the hydrochloric acid.
-Gastrin hormones
Gastric is a peptide secreted by the G cells of the stomach, its function is to enhance stomach functions.
It stimulates the growth of the gastric mucosa barrier, promotes gastric mobility, and the secretion of hydrochloric acid.
-Hydrogen and chloride ions
These ions are secreted by the parietal cells and form hydrochloric acid in the stomach's lumen. Its function is to activate pepsinogen into pepsin, provide the acid pH needed for digestive processes, and break down the bonds linking amino acids.
The correct option is a) Pepsin enzyme.