Question

A scientist is studying a model that has a mutation in the receptor for somatostatin that prevents hormone binding. How would this mutation affect the structure and function of the digestive system?

Short answer

The hormone somatostatin prevents HCl from being released into the stomach lumen after the chyme has gone to the intestine. If the receptor is not working, the stomach will continue to produce acid, which could harm the tissue.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

After the chyme has gone to the intestine, the hormone somatostatin prevents the release of HCl into the stomach lumen.

The explanation for the answer

Somatostatin cannot instruct the stomach parietal cells to stop secreting acid if the receptor is not working. Since there is no food present, acid secretion will continue and may harm stomach tissue.