Question

The function of bile salts during emulsification of fats is

• A. Transporting fat globules to the region of lipase activity.
• B. Increasing the surface area of the fat globules.
• C. Functioning as a catalyst for the lipases.
• D. Lowering the pH of the small intestine.
• E. None of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Increasing the surface area of the fat globules.

Bile salts help in the emulsification of the fats. This is the process of breaking down fat into very small micelles. This helps to increase the surface area for the lipase to act and thus, aiding in the digestion of fat. Bile salts help in neutralizing the acidic medium of the chyme and provides the alkaline medium for the lipases to activate.

Thus, the correct answer is option 'Increasing the surface area of the fat globules'.