Question

Conjugated (direct) bilirubin is excreted in bile and metabolized by bacterial flora, producing urobilinogen. What is the role of bacterial flora in the metabolism of bilirubin?

1) Bacterial flora converts bilirubin into urobilinogen
2) Bacterial flora excretes bilirubin in bile
3) Bacterial flora metabolizes urobilinogen
4) Bacterial flora prevents the excretion of bilirubin
5) None of the above

Answer 1

Bacterial flora plays a role in the metabolism of bilirubin by converting it into urobilinogen, which is eventually excreted in feces.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of bacterial flora in the metabolism of bilirubin is to convert it into urobilinogen. After bilirubin is excreted in bile by the liver, it enters the intestines where bacterial flora metabolizes it into urobilinogen. This urobilinogen is further converted into stercobilin, which gives brown color to feces, and is excreted out through the feces.