Question

A stuent investigates the effect of bile on the digestion of fat in milk

In table 1.1 shows the result of the investigation
Explain the results for test tube b and c

Answer 1

The Explanation of the results for test tube b and c is shown below

Test tube B

• At 0 minutes, the indicator in test tube B is pink because the pH of the solution is alkaline.
• After 20 minutes, the indicator in test tube B is still pink because the lipase has not been able to break down the fat effectively due to the lack of bile salts.
• After 40 minutes, the indicator in test tube B was colorless due to the action of lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fat in the digestive system

Test tube C

• At 0 minutes, the indicator in test tube C is pink because the pH of the solution is alkaline.
• After 20 minutes, the indicator in test tube C has turned colorless because the lipase has broken down the fat in the milk, producing fatty acids which are acidic.
• After 40 minutes, the indicator in test tube C is still colorless because the lipase has continued to break down the fat in the milk.

In Conclusion, Bile salts are essential for the digestion of fat. Without bile salts, lipase cannot break down fat effectively.