Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What group of compounds is degraded by lipase?

1. Carbohydrates

2. Proteins

3. Fats

4. Nucleic acids

The correct answer is: Fats

Lipase is an enzyme specifically responsible for breaking down lipids, which are a group of compounds that include fats and oils. When lipase acts on fats, it catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides, converting them into glycerol and free fatty acids. This is a crucial process for digestion and metabolism, as it enables the body to utilize fats for energy and essential functions. In contrast, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are broken down by other specific enzymes. For example, amylase degrades carbohydrates, proteases act on proteins, and nucleases degrade nucleic acids. This specialization among enzymes is integral to the efficiency of metabolic processes in the body. Therefore, lipase is intimately linked with the digestion of fats, making it the correct choice for this question.