Which enzyme is responsible for digesting fats?

Lipase is the enzyme specifically responsible for the digestion of fats. It breaks down triglycerides, which are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat. Lipase catalyzes the hydrolysis of fat molecules, resulting in fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be absorbed by the body. This process is vital for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats, allowing the body to utilize them for energy and cellular functions.

The other options do not function in fat digestion. Amylase is primarily involved in the digestion of carbohydrates, breaking down starches into sugars. Protease is the enzyme that digests proteins, cleaving them into smaller peptides and amino acids. Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, which is not digestible by humans but is important for some organisms that can utilize plant material. Understanding the specific roles of these enzymes highlights the specialized functions each enzyme has in digestion and metabolism.