Lecture on Hydrochloric Acid and Stomach Acid

Introduction to Hydrochloric Acid

• Highly corrosive substance.
• Requires handling with protective gloves and safety goggles.
• Present in the body as stomach acid.

Stomach Acid

• Composed of Hydrochloric Acid with a pH of around 1 to 2.
• Two Key Roles:
  1. Denatures consumed proteins by breaking down globular structures into amino acid chains.
  2. Activates digestive enzymes such as proteases and lipases.

Digestive Enzymes

• Proteases: Break apart long amino acid chains into smaller ones or individual amino acids.
• Lipases: Break apart lipids or fat molecules.

Protection of Stomach Walls

• Stomach walls do not corrode because:
  • Specialized cells in the stomach lining secrete mucus.
  • Mucus protects the stomach lining from acid.

Acid Reflux

• Occurs when stomach acid rises towards the esophagus past the cardiac sphincter.
• Causes:
  • Excessive consumption of food in a short period.
  • Consumption of acidic, spicy, or high-fat foods.
• Neutralization of Stomach Acid:
  • Achieved by consuming alkaline substances.
  • Example: Antacids.

Antacids

• Used to relieve acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid.
• Common substances in antacids:
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Magnesium carbonate
  • Sodium hydrogen carbonate
• Example Reaction with Calcium Carbonate:
  • Calcium carbonate reacts to form calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas.
  • Helps relieve the burning sensation of acid reflux.