the stomach produces acid that kills the majority of __________. what is the missing word in this sentence?

The missing word in the sentence "The stomach produces acid that kills the majority of ________." is "bacteria." The stomach produces hydrochloric acid, which has a very low pH (between 1 and 3) and serves multiple roles, including digestion and protection. One of the key protective functions of stomach acid is to kill most bacteria and harmful microorganisms that are ingested with food or water, preventing them from entering the intestines and causing infection. This acid acts as a first line of defense against potential pathogens, effectively killing the majority of bacteria that enter the stomach to safeguard the body.