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.
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. Coral reefs are built by colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps belong to a group of animals known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish.