Q. 15.49 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What is the function of bile salts in digestion?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Bile salts are made from cholesterol in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile salts combine with the water-insoluble fats and oils in our diets when bile is secreted into the small intestine. 

Step1: Introduction.

Bile salts are formed by conjugating bile acids with glycine or taurine. They are made directly from cholesterol in the liver.

The formed emulsion has a larger surface area for lipases, which are enzymes that digest fat. Bile salts aid in cholesterol absorption into the intestinal mucosa.

Step2: Given Information.

Describe the role of bile salts in digestion.

Step3: Explanation.

Bile salts are made from cholesterol in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile salts combine with the water-insoluble fats and oils in our diets when bile is secreted into the small intestine. 

Bile salts have a polar and a nonpolar region, which allows them to break up and emulsify large globules of fat.