Impact of Stomach pH on Digestive Enzymes

The human digestive system is a complex network of organs and glands responsible for the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste. One critical aspect of digestion is enzyme activity, which is affected by various factors including pH levels and temperature. Different enzymes operate optimally at specific conditions, which can vary significantly between different segments of the digestive tract.

Consider the enzymes involved in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Each of these macromolecules has specific enzymes that break them down into their constituent building blocks: monosaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids respectively. Enzyme activity can also be influenced by the presence of inhibitors or activators, as well as the overall health of the digestive system.

A researcher is studying a condition where the pH in the stomach is markedly higher than the normal range due to medication. This increase could potentially impact the activity of various digestive enzymes. Which of the following enzymes would be MOST impacted by a significant increase in stomach pH?