GCEBiologyNutrition2024

Which of the following correctly describes the role of bile in fat digestion?

AIt chemically breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol
BIt emulsifies fats into smaller droplets to increase surface area for lipase actionCORRECT
CIt activates pancreatic lipase by lowering the pH of the duodenum
DIt absorbs fatty acids directly into the bloodstream through the villi
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Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, contains bile salts that emulsify large fat globules into smaller droplets. This physical process greatly increases the surface area available for lipase enzymes to act upon. Bile does not chemically digest fats (it contains no enzymes) and it actually raises the pH of the duodenum rather than lowering it.
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