Hepatocytes do not __.
A) produce digestive enzymes
B) process nutrients
C) store fat-soluble vitamins
D) detoxify
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is A) produce digestive enzymes.
Explanation:
Hepatocytes are the main functional cells of the liver. They perform a wide range of essential functions, but producing digestive enzymes is not one of them. Here’s a breakdown of their roles and why option A is incorrect:
- Produce Digestive Enzymes:
- Digestive enzymes are mainly produced by the pancreas and the salivary glands. The pancreas, for instance, secretes enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases (such as trypsin and chymotrypsin), which are important for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. Hepatocytes do not have a role in the production of these enzymes, which makes option A incorrect.
- Process Nutrients:
- One of the key functions of hepatocytes is to process nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract. After food is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, the liver processes and metabolizes these nutrients. This includes converting glucose to glycogen (a form of stored energy), synthesizing proteins like albumin, and converting excess amino acids into urea for excretion.
- Store Fat-Soluble Vitamins:
- Hepatocytes play a significant role in storing essential fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. The liver acts as a reservoir for these vitamins, releasing them into the bloodstream when needed for various bodily functions. This storage capacity is critical for maintaining nutritional balance in the body.
- Detoxify:
- Detoxification is another vital function of hepatocytes. They help in breaking down and neutralizing toxins and waste products, such as drugs, alcohol, and metabolic by-products. The liver converts these substances into less harmful compounds that can be excreted through urine or bile.
In conclusion, while hepatocytes are involved in numerous metabolic processes like nutrient processing, fat-soluble vitamin storage, and detoxification, they do not produce digestive enzymes, which are mainly produced by other organs such as the pancreas.