Why is the bicarbonate secretion from the pancreas essential for the activity of pancreatic enzymes?
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Correct answer: Pancreatic enzymes are denatured or inactive at the acidic pH of gastric chyme
Pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, proteases) have an optimal pH near neutral (7.0-8.0). Bicarbonate neutralizes the acidic chyme entering from the stomach, creating the necessary environment for these enzymes to function.
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