High School

Which of the following is not a function of pancreatic juice?

1) Chemically digest carbohydrates
2) Neutralize the pH of chyme
3) Chemically digest proteins
4) Increase acidity of stomach contents

Answer :

Final answer:

The pancreatic juice's roles include neutralizing the chyme's pH and digesting proteins and carbohydrates, but not increasing stomach acidity. Therefore,2) neutralize the pH of chyme is correct option.

Explanation:

The pancreatic juice produced by the pancreas has several critical functions related to digestion. One of its key roles is to neutralize the pH of chyme, which is the acidic food mixture that comes from the stomach into the small intestine. The pancreas secretes high levels of bicarbonate, an alkali, to accomplish this. Furthermore, the pancreatic juice contains enzymes essential for the chemical digestion of proteins and carbohydrates.

However, increasing the acidity of stomach contents is not one of the functions of pancreatic juice. In fact, the pancreatic juice functions quite the opposite way. It works to decrease the acidity in the small intestine to create a suitable environment where digestive enzymes can effectively break down nutrients.