which enzyme is responsible for the majority of the digestions of lipids?
The enzyme responsible for the majority of the digestion of lipids is called pancreatic lipase. It is produced in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine to break down dietary fats into absorbable molecules.
Pancreatic lipase acts on triglycerides, the main form of dietary fats, and breaks them down into fatty acids and monoglycerides. These smaller components can then be further broken down and absorbed by the intestinal cells.
Pancreatic lipase requires the presence of bile salts, which are produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, to be fully active. Bile salts emulsify the large fat droplets into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for pancreatic lipase to work effectively.
The digestion of lipids is a complex process involving several enzymes, but pancreatic lipase plays a crucial role in the majority of lipid digestion.