Which substance emulsifies fats and where is it produced?

• A. Bile acids emulsify fats; produced by gallbladder
• B. Hydrochloric acid emulsifies fats; produced by stomach
• C. Bile salts emulsify fats; produced by the liver
• D. Pancreatic lipase emulsifies fats; produced by pancreas

Answer: (C)

Emulsification of fats is done by bile salts, which are amphipathic molecules that coat fat droplets and break them into tiny pieces, increasing the surface area for digestion. These bile salts are produced by the liver; bile is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder and released into the intestine as needed. That makes the statement that bile salts emulsify fats and are produced by the liver the best choice.

Hydrochloric acid in the stomach does not emulsify fats, and while bile is released from the gallbladder, it is produced by the liver, not created there. Pancreatic lipase digests fats once they've been emulsified, rather than performing emulsification itself.