Which enzyme is primarily responsible for fat digestion in the small intestine?

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for fat digestion in the small intestine?

• A. Pancreatic Amylase
• B. Pancreatic Lipase
• C. Pepsin
• D. Trypsin

Answer: (B)

Fat digestion in the small intestine relies on an enzyme that specifically hydrolyzes triglycerides into fatty acids and monoglycerides. This role is filled by pancreatic lipase, which is released from the pancreas into the small intestine. Emulsification by bile salts creates many small fat droplets, increasing surface area so lipase can work efficiently, and a cofactor called colipase helps lipase bind to those droplets in the intestinal environment. The other enzymes listed target non-fat nutrients: pancreatic amylase breaks down carbohydrates, pepsin works in the stomach to digest proteins, and trypsin digests proteins in the small intestine after activation. So, pancreatic lipase is the primary fat-digesting enzyme in the small intestine.

Fat digestion in the small intestine relies on an enzyme that specifically hydrolyzes triglycerides into fatty acids and monoglycerides. This role is filled by pancreatic lipase, which is released from the pancreas into the small intestine. Emulsification by bile salts creates many small fat droplets, increasing surface area so lipase can work efficiently, and a cofactor called colipase helps lipase bind to those droplets in the intestinal environment. The other enzymes listed target non-fat nutrients: pancreatic amylase breaks down carbohydrates, pepsin works in the stomach to digest proteins, and trypsin digests proteins in the small intestine after activation. So, pancreatic lipase is the primary fat-digesting enzyme in the small intestine.