In addition to stimulating gastric mucosal growth, what else does gastrin promote?

Gastrin is a hormone primarily produced by G cells in the stomach's mucosa, and it is crucial in regulating various digestive processes. One of its key functions is stimulating gastric mucosal growth, promoting the maintenance and regeneration of the stomach lining.

In addition to this role, gastrin enhances gastric acid secretion by the parietal cells in the stomach. This increase in acidity facilitates the breakdown of food proteins, which is essential for proper digestion—but gastrin itself stimulates RNA synthesis, as this process is vital for cellular growth and function. The stimulation of RNA synthesis can lead to increased protein synthesis in the gastric mucosa, further supporting the health and proliferation of the gastric epithelium. This is significant because by promoting the growth and turnover of gastric tissue, gastrin ensures that the lining can effectively handle the acidic environment and maintain digestive efficiency.

Other choices—such as lipid absorption, protein breakdown, and vitamin reabsorption—are processes influenced by different hormones or digestive enzymes rather than directly stimulated by gastrin. Therefore, recognizing gastrin's role in stimulating RNA synthesis highlights its broader influence on cellular growth and regeneration in the gastrointestinal tract.