Question

what must happen first in the process of fat digestion?
a breakdown by hydrochloric acid
b emulsification by bile salts
c hydrolysis by lipase
d movement into lacteal

Explanation:

To determine the first step in fat digestion, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Hydrochloric acid in the stomach is for protein digestion, not fat. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Bile salts (from the liver) emulsify fats, breaking large fat globules into smaller droplets. This increases the surface area for lipase (enzyme) action. Emulsification must occur before lipase can effectively hydrolyze fats.
• Option C: Lipase hydrolysis occurs after emulsification, as lipase needs the increased surface area from emulsified fat droplets. So C is not the first step.
• Option D: Movement into lacteals is part of fat absorption (after digestion), not the first step of digestion. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Emulsification by bile salts