What type of enzymes are secreted by the gut for fat digestion?

The correct answer is lipases, which are specific enzymes produced by the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine to facilitate the digestion of fats. Lipases function by hydrolyzing triglycerides, the main constituents of dietary fats, into free fatty acids and glycerol, allowing for their absorption by the intestinal lining.

Amylases, on the other hand, are enzymes that primarily act on carbohydrates, breaking down starches into simpler sugars. Proteases are enzymes that target proteins, breaking them down into amino acids. Carboxylases are not specifically involved in fat digestion; instead, they often participate in various metabolic reactions, including the breakdown of glucose.

Understanding the role of lipases is critical not only for recognizing how fats are digested but also for grasping the overall process of nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.