As the Stomach Churns

On November 7th and November 8th we worked in small lab groups to conduct an experiment to see how our stomach works when digesting foods.  We investigated how acidic conditions affect protein digestion. Through this lab we were able to see how hydrochloric acid functions in order to digest proteins. Through our data chart we noted the appearance of the contents in our test tubes, and what reaction the contents had when placed on Litmus paper. We came to the conclusion that hydrochloric acid breaks down the proteins, and that it has a very low, acidic pH level. We also discussed the different pH levels, acidic, alkaline, and neutral.