Which enzyme is produced by the pancreas to digest fats?

Which enzyme is produced by the pancreas to digest fats?

• A. Protease
• B. Amylase
• C. Sucrase
• D. Lipase

Answer: (D)

Fat digestion relies on an enzyme produced by the pancreas that specifically breaks down fats. Pancreatic lipase is secreted into the small intestine as part of pancreatic juice and acts on triglycerides, converting them into fatty acids and monoglycerides that can be absorbed by the intestinal lining. This process works alongside bile, which emulsifies fats to increase the surface area available for lipase action. In contrast, a protease digests proteins, an amylase digests carbohydrates, and sucrase is a disaccharidase that functions in the small intestine rather than being produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the enzyme that digests fats and is produced by the pancreas is lipase.

Fat digestion relies on an enzyme produced by the pancreas that specifically breaks down fats. Pancreatic lipase is secreted into the small intestine as part of pancreatic juice and acts on triglycerides, converting them into fatty acids and monoglycerides that can be absorbed by the intestinal lining. This process works alongside bile, which emulsifies fats to increase the surface area available for lipase action. In contrast, a protease digests proteins, an amylase digests carbohydrates, and sucrase is a disaccharidase that functions in the small intestine rather than being produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the enzyme that digests fats and is produced by the pancreas is lipase.