The conjugation of bilirubin to glucuronic acid in the liver: (A) Conves a hydrophilic compound to a hydrophobic one, (B) Conves a hydrophobic compound to a hydrophilic one, (C) Enables the bilirubin molecule to cross the cell membrane, (D) Is increased during neonatal jaundice
Answer is B. In liver bilirubin which is a hydrophobic compound is conjugated with glucuronic acid, to make it water soluble. The fuher transpo of bilirubin into bile is an active process Only unconjugated bilirubin elevates in neonatal/hemolytic jaundiceRef: Textbook of biochemistry for medical students, seventh edition, page no: 277