What is the role of HCl in digestion?

Role of HCl:

1. The acid released in our stomach is hydrochloric acid or HCl which is very important for the digestion process.
2. This acid acts upon the digestive enzymes which get activated due to the action of the acid especially pepsin which is in an inactive form.
3. Thereafter, these active enzymes can break down the food.
4. It also acts as a protector against the harmful microbes and bacteria that come along with the food and kill them due to its very low pH.