Different enzymes work better under different conditions. Where in a human body might it be beneficial to have enzymes that work well in very acidic environments?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "enzymes 'acidic environment'" to get these possible sources:
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7166312-claims.html
(Broken Link Removed)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-353184/article-9049557
http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/~berger/B200sample/unit_9_secretion/endocytosis.htm
http://books.google.com/books?id=ueCppiUIIpsC&pg=PA180&lpg=PA180&dq=enzymes+%22acidic+environment%22&source=web&ots=vzf1w6EG-d&sig=MCYQ6woGejG4Ym57c2nIATGR_JA
There are more sites available. Use <Find> to search for "acidic" within the sites.
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
To identify where in the human body it might be beneficial to have enzymes that work well in very acidic environments, we need to consider the natural acidic conditions that occur in certain parts of the body.
Our stomach is one of the main acidic environments in the human body. It secretes hydrochloric acid (HCl) to aid in the digestion of food. The acid helps break down proteins and sterilizes the stomach by killing most bacteria that enter with the food. The low pH of the stomach (around 1.5-3.5) provides an ideal environment for certain enzymes, such as pepsin, which work optimally in these highly acidic conditions.
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. It is produced and released by the stomach lining in an inactive form called pepsinogen. Once inside the stomach, the acidic environment triggers the activation of pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin.
Having enzymes that work well in the acidic stomach environment is important for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Without enzymes adapted to these conditions, digestion may not occur effectively, leading to nutrient malabsorption and related health issues.
In summary, enzymes that work well in very acidic environments, such as the stomach, are beneficial for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.