# Describe the role of physical digestion in the small intestine and explain how bile contributes to this process.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 7.3 Mechanical digestion · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bile emulsifies fats / oils
2. Emulsification increases the surface area of fats
3. Increased surface area allows lipase to act more effectively / efficiently on the fats
4. Physical digestion does not involve any chemical change to the food molecules

## Key terms

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

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-role-of-physical-digestion-b0317811) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.