Several digestive enzymes are secreted as zymogens because ?

they can start digesting dietary proteins more quickly
it saves one step in their synthesis
gastric cells do not have the necessary enzymes for their synthesis
they start digesting intracellular proteins of the gastric cells more quickly
it prevents them from digesting intracellular proteins

it prevents them from digesting intracellular proteins.

Zymogens are inactive forms of enzymes that are only activated when needed. They are important in the digestive system because they prevent the enzymes from breaking down the cells that they are produced in. In the case of digestive enzymes, zymogens help prevent the premature digestion of the stomach's own cells.

The correct answer is:

It prevents them from digesting intracellular proteins.

Enzymes are typically secreted as zymogens, also known as inactive forms, to prevent them from prematurely digesting intracellular proteins. Zymogens are activated when they reach their target site, allowing for controlled and selective digestion of dietary proteins. This mechanism helps protect the cells from self-digestion.