Which of the following is the primary function of bile salts in lipid digestion?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the primary function of bile salts in lipid digestion. Bile salts are crucial for the breakdown and absorption of fats in the small intestine. The question explores their role in this process, specifically focusing on how they aid in the digestion and absorption of lipids.
Answer
Bile salts emulsify fats, aiding digestion and absorption.
The primary function of bile salts in lipid digestion is to emulsify large fat droplets into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for lipase to act on and facilitating lipid absorption.
Answer for screen readers
The primary function of bile salts in lipid digestion is to emulsify large fat droplets into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for lipase to act on and facilitating lipid absorption.
More Information
Bile salts are crucial for breaking down fats, allowing the body to absorb them more efficiently. Without bile salts, fat digestion and absorption would be severely impaired.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse bile's function with enzymes that break down fats. Bile doesn't break down fats chemically; it only emulsifies them.
Sources
- What is the role of bile salt in lipid digestion? - Chemistry - Vaia - vaia.com
- Bile: What It Is, Where It's Made & What It Does - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Bile salts in digestion and transport of lipids - ScienceDirect.com - sciencedirect.com
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