# Describe the role of bile in the digestion of fats in the small intestine.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 7.2 Alimentary canal · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder before being secreted into the duodenum.
2. Bile emulsifies fats, breaking them into smaller droplets.
3. Emulsification increases the surface area of fats available for lipase to act upon.
4. Bile is alkaline and neutralises the acidic stomach contents entering the duodenum, providing a suitable pH for lipase to work.

## Key terms

- [bile](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/bile)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-role-of-bile-in-de557ed5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.