What happens to indirect bilirubin in the liver?

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Indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin is taken up by hepatocytes and, in the endoplasmic reticulum, is conjugated with glucuronic acid by the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. This adds polarity, producing conjugated (direct) bilirubin, which is water-soluble and ready for excretion into bile via canalicular transporters. This conjugation step is what allows bilirubin to be excreted into the biliary system and eventually eliminated from the body.