Final answer:
Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor that irreversibly inhibits the hydrogen/potassium ATPase enzyme system in gastric parietal cells. It is used to treat conditions such as GERD by reducing stomach acid secretion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the mechanism of action of Omeprazole. Omeprazole is a medication classified as a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), which is used to treat conditions involving excessive stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It works by irreversibly inhibiting the hydrogen/potassium ATPase enzyme system located on the apical membrane of gastric parietal cells. This enzyme system, often referred to as the proton pump, is responsible for the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the stomach.
Parietal cells are located in the gastric glands of the stomach lining and produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, which is important for vitamin B12 absorption. Omeprazole forms a covalent bond with sulfhydryl groups of the hydrogen/potassium (H+/K+) ATPase enzyme system to inhibit acid secretion. Since Omeprazole targets the final step in acid production, it effectively reduces gastric acidity allowing for the treatment of acid-related disorders.