Question map
With reference to human body, which one of the following statements is correct?
Explanation
Bile salts are steroidal compounds synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. Chemically, they consist of a steroid nucleus (four fused carbon rings) with a side chain, making them steroid derivatives. Regarding other options: Lipases are water-soluble enzymes that act at the oil-water interface of fat droplets [c2][t4]. Trypsin, a pancreatic protease, has an optimal pH range of 7.8 to 8.7, meaning it acts best in alkaline (basic) conditions, not acidic [t5][t6]. Pepsin is a gastric enzyme that requires a highly acidic environment (pH 1.5–2.5) for activation and function [c1][t1]. When pepsin enters the duodenum, the alkaline environment (pH above 6) provided by bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice inactivates it, rather than enhancing its action [t1][t2]. Therefore, only the statement regarding bile salts being steroids is correct.
Sources
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.3 > p. 85
- [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.3 > p. 86
- [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537005/