Question

The chief function of bile juice is to :
A. emulsify fats for digestion
B. emulsify proteins for digestion
C. regulate digestion of proteins
D. digest fats by enzymes

Answer 1

Hint: Liver is an organ found in vertebrates which is responsible for detoxification of metabolites, production of biochemicals and enzymes important for digestion. It produces Bile or gall which is a dark green or yellowish brown fluid.

Complete Answer:
Bile juice is secreted by the liver. It is a yellowish colour fluid. The main function of bile juice is to digest the lipid molecules and to activate the lipase enzymes. Bile juice consists of the following :-
- Bilirubin and biliverdin (pigments)
- Bile salts
- Cholesterol
- Phospholipids

- When biliverdin and bilirubin are mixed, they are responsible for the brown color of faeces.
- In humans, bile is continuously produced by the liver, stored and then it is concreted in the gallbladder. After eating, this stored bile is further discharged into the duodenum.
- Bile juice helps in the emulsification of fats and in the activation of enzyme Lipase.
- Approximately 400 to 800 ml bile is produced in adult humans everyday.

The main functions of bile juice are :-
- To digest the lipid molecules.
- To activate the lipase enzymes.
- The main function of bile juice is the absorption of fats, fat-soluble substances such as vitamin A, D, E, & K.
- Helps to break down the lipid molecules into di-and monoglycerides by the lipase enzymes.

Thus, Option a) emulsify fats for digestion - is the Correct option. All other options are incorrect.

Note: The composition of hepatic bile is 97% water, 0.2% bilirubin, 0.51% fats, (cholesterol, fatty acids, and lecithin), 0.7% bile salts, and 200 meq/l of inorganic salts.