Name an enzyme involved in fat digestion.

Prepare for the Leaving Certificate Digestion Test with engaging questions and explanations. Ready yourself with multiple choice quizzes, hints, and deep insights. Be exam-ready now!

Multiple Choice

Name an enzyme involved in fat digestion.

Explanation:
Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fats. It acts on triglycerides, hydrolyzing them to fatty acids and glycerol so fats can be absorbed in the intestine. The main source is pancreatic lipase released into the small intestine, where bile salts emulsify fats to create a larger surface area for the enzyme to work. There are also smaller amounts from gastric lipase in the stomach and some contribution from lingual lipase in saliva. The other enzymes listed target different biomolecules: amylase digests carbohydrates, protease digests proteins, and nuclease digests nucleic acids.

Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fats. It acts on triglycerides, hydrolyzing them to fatty acids and glycerol so fats can be absorbed in the intestine. The main source is pancreatic lipase released into the small intestine, where bile salts emulsify fats to create a larger surface area for the enzyme to work. There are also smaller amounts from gastric lipase in the stomach and some contribution from lingual lipase in saliva. The other enzymes listed target different biomolecules: amylase digests carbohydrates, protease digests proteins, and nuclease digests nucleic acids.

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