# Explain the roles of bile in the digestion of fats.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 1.3.2 Digestion and absorption · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bile is produced by the liver (and stored in the gall bladder)
2. Bile emulsifies fats / breaks fat into smaller droplets
3. This increases the surface area of fat (available for enzyme action)
4. Bile neutralises stomach acid / makes conditions alkaline so lipase can work more efficiently

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-the-roles-of-bile-in-ab572f0c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.