Chapter 20, Problem 4E

(a)

Summary Introduction

To draw: The product that is formed when the bacteria that live in the large intestine metabolizes glycocholic acid using amidases and hydroxylases.

Concept introduction: Glycocholic acid is also known as cholylglycine, which is a crystalline bile acid. It is involved in the emulsification of fats. In the bile of mammals, cholylglycine occurs as a salt in the bile of mammals. The anion of glycocholine is  called glycocholate.

(b)

Summary Introduction

To compare: The solubility of glycocholic acid and the product formed when the bacteria that live in the large intestine metabolizes glycocholic acid using amidases and hydroxylases.

Concept introduction: Glycocholic acid is also known as cholylglycine, which is a crystalline bile acid. It is involved in the emulsification of fats. In the bile of mammals, cholylglycine occurs as a salt in the bile of mammals. The anion of glycocholine is called glycocholate.

(c)

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether the change in the bile acid solubility makes it less toxic to bacteria.

Concept introduction: Bile acids are the steroid acids present in the bile. They are found in the bile of mammals and other vertebrates. Bile acids are conjugated with taurine or glycine in the liver. Bile acids are amphipathic molecules having a hydrophobic and hydrophilic region.