Multiple choice

All the following regarding the metabolism of bilirubin are correct except

  1. urobilinogen is synthesized in the intestine

  2. unconjugated bilirubin is lipophilic

  3. bilirubin diglucuronide is synthesized in liver

  4. bilirubin is excreted in normal urine
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This 'EXCEPT' question asks which statement is FALSE. Normal urine does NOT contain bilirubin - its absence is one of the key differences between normal urine and the urine of patients with liver disease. All other statements are true: urobilogen is formed in the intestine by bacterial action, unconjugated bilirubin is lipophilic, and bilirubin diglucuronide (conjugated bilirubin) is synthesized in the liver. Only conjugated bilirubin appears in urine when the renal threshold is exceeded.

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