Question

Chemically the bile salts are derivatives of
A. Cholesterol
B. Catecholamine
C. Amino acids
D. Fatty acids

Answer 1

Hint: Bile salts are a component of the bile juice. The bile juice is a secretion of the Liver. Bile juice is neither enzymatic nor hormonal in nature. It facilitates the process of digestion by the emulsification of fats.

Complete answer: The bile juice is secreted by the Liver. Bile juice doesn't have any enzymes but it still facilitates the process of digestion. Bile juice is considered an incomplete juice. The bile juice helps in the emulsification of the fats. Emulsification of fats refers to the breakdown of the large pieces of fats into smaller pieces. Not only this but bile juice also acts as an antiseptic. It renders the alkaline medium. This is because enzymes of the pancreatic juice can perform digestion only in the alkaline medium. Therefore, before the release of the pancreatic juice, the bile juice is released. The bile juice makes the environment alkaline and the pancreatic juice is able to perform the digestion then. The bile juice is made up of ninety percent water. Other than that, it also contains lecithin, cholesterol, sodium and potassium taurocholates, and glycocholates. Thus, based on the above information we can conclude that chemically the bile salts are derivatives of Cholesterol.
Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: The pigments are synthesized in the spleen. The spleen is also known as the graveyard of the RBCs. The haem of the blood changes into the bile pigments. The bile pigments are known as the bilirubin and the biliverdin. The bilirubin is the yellow pigment in color and the biliverdin is green in color. Finally, the bile pigments are transported to the Liver by the Hepatic Portal system where they are stored.