Question

Describe the journey of the fatty acid molecules through the digestive system  

can u tell me please its a 5 marks questions

Answer 1

Initially, when we intake food fatty acid molecules are in the form of complex molecules called lipids. Here the food is broken down in smaller parts no specific changes occur to lipids in humans.

Next, the food moves to stomach here secretion of gastric acid and enzymes like gastric lipase take place. The gastric lipase is responsible for the hydrolysis of fatty acids from triglycerides. It is responsible for a 10-30% breakdown of triglycerides limited by the feedback inhibition process.

The maximum amount of Fatty acid is formed inside the duodenum, the first part of the small enzyme. Here, secretions from the liver in the form of bile juice constituting salt and enzymes. salt disperse the lipids leading to a large surface area making it more open for enzyme activity. Fatty acid chains are hydrophobic so they form micelles with the hydrophobic end in the center of it.

absorption of lipids

Fatty acids are absorbed by the cells in the inner lining of the small intestine. when the micelles reach the cells the open up due to a change in pH. There they form a complex with transport proteins or use passive diffusion( fatty acid C2-C12) and enter cells. From there they are processed and transported to different body parts.