Final answer:
In order for pepsinogen to be converted into pepsin, hydrochloric acid must be released. Pepsinogen is converted to its active form, pepsin, in the stomach when the pH drops and hydrochloric acid is secreted by glands in the stomach lining. Pepsin then helps in the digestion of proteins by breaking down peptide linkages.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for pepsinogen to be converted into pepsin, hydrochloric acid must be released. The conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin occurs in the stomach when the pH drops, and the hydrochloric acid is secreted by glands in the stomach lining. Hydrochloric acid helps to denature food proteins and activates pepsinogen into its active form of pepsin. Pepsin then catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide linkages within protein molecules.