Final answer:
C) PERT replaces the digestive enzyme production in individuals with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), specifically the secretion of lipase, amylase, and proteases, which are necessary for breaking down fats, starches, and proteins, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) is a treatment designed to replace the digestive enzyme production that the pancreas has failed to produce in individuals with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). These enzymes are crucial for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly fats, and are normally secreted in an inactive form by the pancreas.
Once in the duodenum, they are activated by other enzymes, like enteropeptidase, which activates trypsin from trypsinogen, starting a cascade that activates other pancreatic enzymes such as procarboxypeptidase and chymotrypsinogen into their active forms, carboxypeptidase, and chymotrypsin.
Therefore, the function that PERT replaces is the production of digestive enzymes, specifically lipase for digesting fats, amylase for starches, and proteases for proteins. This helps individuals with EPI properly digest and absorb nutrients from their food. PERT does not replace insulin production, blood circulation, nor the function of the liver which are not directly associated with the exocrine functions of the pancreas.
The correct answer to the student's question is: C. PERT replaces digestive enzyme production.