Question

In the human digestive system, the enzyme pepsin is present in acidic areas, while the enzyme trypsin is present in less acidic areas. Which of these statements most likely describes a difference in how they function?

A) Pepsin functions optimally at a lower pH level than trypsin
B) Trypsin functions optimally at a lower pH level than pepsin
C) Pepsin functions optimally at a lower temperature than trypsin
D) Trypsin functions optimally at a lower temperature than pepsin

Answer 1

A) Pepsin functions optimally at a lower pH level than trypsin. Hence, A) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that most likely describes a difference in how pepsin and trypsin function is: A) Pepsin functions optimally at a lower pH level than trypsin.

Pepsin works best in the highly acidic environment of the stomach, with an optimum pH of about 1.5. In contrast, trypsin works in the small intestine, which is not as acidic, with an optimum pH of about 8.