What are 2 functions of bile?

Bile is alkaline, so it neutralises the hydrochloric acid from the stomach. This creates the right pH for the enzymes working in the intestine. As well as this, bile is an emulsifier. It breaks up big droplets of fats into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for lipases to work on, speeding up the digestion of fat. 

MT
Answered by Megan T. Biology tutor

37762 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is phagocytosis?


Describe how living plants are involved in the carbon cycle. (4 marks)


How is a sperm cell adapted to it's role?


What is diffusion and what are the factors that influence the rate of diffusion? What are some of the ways diffusion is used in the body? What is it called when water is diffused through a semi permeable membrane?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning