The acidic chyme entering the duodenum is neutralised by

  • A. hydrochloric acid
  • B. bicarbonate present in the pancreatic juice and bile
  • C. pepsin
  • D. salivary amylase

Explanation

Pancreatic bicarbonate raises the pH to around 8, the alkaline range in which pancreatic and intestinal enzymes work. Acid from the stomach would inactivate them, so neutralisation is essential.

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