2.2.7

Bile

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Bile

Bile is an alkaline substance produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is important because:

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Optimal enzyme conditions

  • Enzymes in the small intestine operate best in alkaline conditions.
  • Bile neutralises acid from the stomach to stop these enzymes becoming denatured (lose their activity).
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Emulsification

  • Bile breaks up fats into tiny droplets, through a process called emulsification.
  • The tiny droplets have a higher surface area than the original fat drop.
  • This increases the rate of the lipase-catalysed reactions that break fats down.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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