Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down fats?

Lipase is the enzyme specifically responsible for the breakdown of fats, also known as lipids. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Lipase is produced primarily in the pancreas and is secreted into the small intestine, where it plays a crucial role in the digestive process, allowing fats to be more easily absorbed by the cells lining the intestinal wall.

The other enzymes listed have different roles in digestion: amylase breaks down carbohydrates into sugars, protease is responsible for the digestion of proteins, and cellulase, which is not produced by humans but by certain microorganisms, helps in the breakdown of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls. Each enzyme has a specific function and works on distinct types of biomolecules, highlighting the specialization of enzymes in the digestive system.