Question

A vesicle composed entirely of glycerophospholipids is treated with phospholipases a1 and a2. The ionized forms of the fatty acids thus liberated proceed to form mixed micelles (once the critical micelle concentration is surpassed). The mixed micelles have an average ________.

Answer 1

Micelles formed from phospholipases-treated glycerophospholipids facilitate the transport and absorption of fatty acids in the intestinal system, eventually allowing for the re-synthesis of triglycerides within epithelial cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a vesicle composed of glycerophospholipids is treated with phospholipases A1 and A2, the liberated fatty acids can form mixed micelles once the critical micelle concentration is surpassed. Micelles are lipid-transport compounds that play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. They are formed from bile salts and phospholipids, and they encase fatty acids and monoglycerides within their hydrophobic core. This composition allows micelles to transport lipids effectively through the watery environment of the intestinal chyme to the absorptive surfaces of epithelial cells. Once micelles are close to the luminal surface, long-chain fatty acids and monoacylglycerides diffuse out and are absorbed across the cell membrane, where they can be re-esterified to form triglycerides inside the epithelial cells.