Final answer:
Enzymes like pepsin and trypsin require specific pH environments to function properly; pepsin in the highly acidic stomach (pH 1.5-2.5) and trypsin in the basic small intestine (optimum pH of about 8). The pancreas secretes bicarbonate to raise the pH and ensure optimal enzyme functionality in the intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the function of enzymes such as pepsin and trypsin, we can infer that the pH of the stomach and the pH of the small intestine are significantly different. Pepsin works in an acidic environment, which is provided by the stomach's secretion of hydrochloric acid, giving the stomach a pH between 1.5 and 2.5. The small intestine, however, operates in a basic environment, as it requires a higher pH for enzymes like trypsin to function optimally (optimum pH of about 8). The pancreas assists in creating this basic environment by secreting a base, bicarbonate, to neutralize the stomach acid when food enters the small intestine.
The drastic difference in pH between these two organs is key for their roles in digestion. It ensures that enzymes work at their optimal pH, allowing for efficient digestion and reducing the potential for damage from extreme acidity. Thus, we can conclude that the pH of the stomach is significantly lower than that of the small intestine.