Answer :
Final answer:
Sodium bicarbonate in pancreatic juice helps to buffer acidic gastric juice in chyme, raising the pH so that pancreatic enzymes can function effectively. It is essential for creating a suitable environment for digestion in the small intestine. Without it, digestive processes would be compromised.
Explanation:
The Role of Sodium Bicarbonate in Pancreatic Juice
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, plays a critical role in the composition of pancreatic juice. Its main function is to buffer acidic gastric juice in chyme as it enters the small intestine from the stomach. The acidity of gastric juice can harm the delicate lining of the intestines and halt the activity of digestive enzymes. Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes this acidity, raising the pH level of the chyme to ensure that pancreatic enzymes function effectively.
Without sodium bicarbonate, the enzymes secreted by the pancreas, such as amylase for starch digestion and lipase for fat digestion, would not work optimally, as these enzymes require a more neutral to slightly alkaline environment to function. This buffering action is vital to facilitate proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in the intestines.
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