Final answer:
The function of digestive juices in the stomach is to break down: Proteins into simpler substances (Option A). Digestive juices in the stomach, mainly composed of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin, function to break down proteins into simpler substances like amino acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main function of the digestive juices in the stomach is to break down proteins into simpler substances. These juices consist of hydrochloric acid (HCl), enzymes like pepsin, and mucus.
Together, HCl and pepsin play a key role in denaturing and reducing proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which are essential for numerous bodily functions.
The acidic environment in the stomach also inactivates certain enzymes like salivary amylase and activates others such as lingual lipase, although most of protein digestion occurs with pepsin and HCl.
Hence, the correct answer is: Option A. Proteins into simpler substances.