Question

Fatty acids are absorbed into the bloodstream by which of the following processes?

• A. Active transport
• B. Facilitated diffusion
• C. Simple diffusion
• D. Osmosis

Answer 1

The correct option is C Simple diffusion

Fatty acids are hydrophobic in nature. Thus they are insoluble in water hence they are absorbed into your bloodstream differently than carbs and proteins.

Several bile salts get attached to the fatty acids to form a nearly spherical structure called micelles. At a later stage, the bile salts are removed and a layer of protein is formed over the fatty acid called chylomicrons.

These are then transported into the lacteals present within the villi in the small intestine through simple diffusion. Lacteals are lymphatic vessels present within the villus that carries the chylomicrons into the lymphatic system.

Glucose and proteins are absorbed into the bloodstream by active transport.
Fructose is absorbed into the bloodstream by facilitated diffusion.
Water is absorbed into the bloodstream by osmosis.