The gastric mucosa secretes the inactive enzyme pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid (HCl). In the presence of HCl, the active enzyme pepsin is produced. Pepsin digests proteins into shorter polypeptides. The high concentration of HCl from the parietal cells makes gastric juice very acidic, with a pH of less than 2.he gastric mucosa secretes the inactive enzyme pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid (HCl). In the presence of HCl, the active enzyme pepsin is produced. Pepsin digests proteins into shorter polypeptides. The high concentration of HCl from the parietal cells makes gastric juice very acidic, with a pH of less than 2.
Coral reef. Coral reef, ridge or hummock formed in shallow ocean areas by algae and the calcareous skeletons of certain coelenterates, of which coral polyps are the most important. A coral reef may grow into a permanent coral island.
Home Managing the Reef How the Reef is managed Water quality in the Great Barrier Reef. Good water quality is the reason why the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful, diverse and complex ecosystems in the world. Reefs grow best in waters that have naturally low concentrations of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediments.