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Granted pepsin could kill a cell by hydrolyzing crucial proteins, it doesn't specifically destroy cells. It is a protease, a protein-digesting enzyme. There are two reasons why pepsin does not, under normal conditions, turn around and start digesting the cells of the host. Pepsin is only present in the stomach, where it is compartmentalized from the rest of the body. The mucous membrane protects the lining of the stomach so the stomach is not degraded by the enzymes or the strong hydrochloric acid. Secondly, pepsin is only active as an enzyme in very acidic environments like that of the stomach. Once the chyme of the stomach is dumped into the duodenum of the small intestine, the pH increases dramatically and the pepsin is denatured, no longer active to digest protein.
Nikki Kovacek
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoGranted pepsin could kill a cell by hydrolyzing crucial proteins, it doesn't specifically destroy cells. It is a protease, a protein-digesting enzyme. There are two reasons why pepsin does not, under normal conditions, turn around and start digesting the cells of the host. Pepsin is only present in the stomach, where it is compartmentalized from the rest of the body. The mucous membrane protects the lining of the stomach so the stomach is not degraded by the enzymes or the strong hydrochloric acid. Secondly, pepsin is only active as an enzyme in very acidic environments like that of the stomach. Once the chyme of the stomach is dumped into the duodenum of the small intestine, the pH increases dramatically and the pepsin is denatured, no longer active to digest protein.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agobecause we cant ingest acid without killing ourselves
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Does H pylori cause growling in the stomach?
H pylori does not cause growling in stomach. H pylori is associated with acid peptic disease.
How are H. pylori peptic ulcers treated?
H. pylori peptic ulcers are treated with drugs to kill the bacteria, drugs to reduce stomach acid, and drugs to protect the lining of the stomach.
Why doesn't stomach acid kill helicobacter pylori?
H. pylori is able to survive in stomach acid because it secretes enzymes that neutralize the acid. This mechanism allows H. pylori to make its way to the "safe" area: the protective mucous lining. Once there, the bacterium's spiral shape helps it burrow through the lining.
What is H. Pylori bacteria?
H. Pylori are implicated in acid peptic disease (acidity).
Why can't bacteria survive in the stomach?
H. pylori live in the mucous lining of the stomach. Safe inside there, they are able to fight the stomach acid that does reach it with urease it releases. Urease converts the urea in the stomach into bicarbonate and ammonia, which are strong bases. This creates a cloud of acid-neutralizing chemicals around the H. pylori, protecting it from stomach acid.
How does H. pylori cause stomach ulcers?
H. pylori are able to survive in stomach acid because they produce enzymes (special proteins) that neutralize the acid. This mechanism allows H. pylori bacteria to enter the stomach and make their way to the "safe" area - the protective mucous lining of the stomach wall. When the bacterium is in the mucous lining of the stomach, the body's natural defenses cannot reach it. The immune system will respond to an H. pylori infection but will not be able to kill the bacteria since they are hidden in the stomach lining. The immune system will keep sending infection fighters to the infection site and H. pylori will feed on the nutrients provided by the body, allowing them (the bacteria) to survive in the stomach environment.
Why the acid in the stomach does not kill helicobacter?
H. pylori is able to survive in stomach acid because it secretes enzymes that neutralize the acid. This mechanism allows H. pylori to make its way to the "safe" area-the protective mucous lining. Once there, the bacterium's spiral shape helps it burrow through the lining. hope this helps :)
Why ammonia increase in stomach?
H. pylori infection
What is Hpilouri?
I think you mean H. Pylori or Heliocobacter Pylori. They are peptic ulcers found in the stomach.
Of what value is urease to helicobacter?
H. pylori are able to fight the stomach acid with urease they release. Urease converts the urea in the stomach into bicarbonate and ammonia, which are strong bases. This creates a cloud of acid-neutralizing chemicals around the H. pylori, protecting it from stomach acid.
Which condition may be caused by an infection with H. pylori?
stomach ulcers
What bacteria are MALT lymphomas of the stomach associated with?
In the stomach they are associated, in greater than 90% of all cases, with the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
