Name the enzymes released by the pancreas that digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

• A. Proteases for proteins; pancreatic amylase for carbohydrates; pancreatic lipase for fats.
• B. Lipase for proteins; proteases for carbohydrates; amylase for fats.
• C. Amylase for proteins; lipase for carbohydrates; proteases for fats.
• D. Nucleases for proteins; proteases for carbohydrates; lipase for fats.

Answer: (A)

Pancreatic enzymes are released into the small intestine to target the three main nutrient types. Proteases break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Pancreatic amylase specializes in carbohydrates, converting starches into smaller sugars like maltose. Pancreatic lipase targets fats, breaking triglycerides into fatty acids and monoglycerides. This combination—proteases for proteins, pancreatic amylase for carbohydrates, and pancreatic lipase for fats—best fits how the pancreas digests these macronutrients. The other options mix up which enzymes act on which substrates (lipase isn’t for proteins, proteases don’t digest carbohydrates, and amylase doesn’t digest fats; nucleases would act on nucleic acids instead).