Which digestive enzyme is involved in the breakdown of fats?

Lipase is the enzyme specifically responsible for breaking down fats. It is produced primarily in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine, where it plays a crucial role in the digestion of dietary lipids. Lipase hydrolyzes triglycerides, the main constituents of dietary fats, into glycerol and fatty acids, making them absorbable by the intestinal lining.

Understanding the other enzymes can provide additional context. Amylase, for instance, is essential for the digestion of carbohydrates, specifically starches, breaking them down into simpler sugars. Protease is involved in the digestion of proteins, cleaving them into smaller peptides and amino acids. Cellulase, while important in some organisms for breaking down cellulose, is not produced by humans, who rely on other mechanisms to break down plant fibers. Thus, among these options, lipase is the key enzyme that facilitates fat digestion effectively.