Final answer:
Bile breaks down fats to assist in their chemical digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical digestion is a process that occurs in the digestive system where complex food molecules are broken down into simpler, smaller molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This process involves the action of various enzymes and other chemicals that help to hydrolyze (break down using water) large macromolecules into their building blocks.
The function of bile is to break down fats to assist in their chemical digestion. Bile salts, which are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, act as detergents and emulsifying agents to break down large fat globules into smaller ones. This helps enzymes to hydrolyze fat molecules more efficiently, aiding in the digestion of dietary lipids.