Biology: Digestion and Absorption of Lipids

Question 1

What enzyme hydrolyses lipids?

Answer 1

lipase

Question 2

How does lipase work?

Answer 2

hydrolyses ester bonds in triglycerides to form monoglycerides and fatty acids

Question 3

Where is lipase produced and secreted?

Answer 3

produced: pancreas
secreted: small intestine

Question 4

What is the role of bile salts?

Answer 4

emulsify large fat globules into smaller droplets which increase surface area for lipase action

Question 5

How are lipids absorbed?

Answer 5

-micelles enclose monoglycerides and fatty acids -micelles release contents at epithelial cells as contents are lipid soluble and can diffuse -monoglycerides and fatty acids recombined at endoplasmic reticulum into triglycerides -golgi apparatus binds protein and cholesterol to form chylomicrons -chylomicrons travel in vesicles and leave by exocytosis -enter lymphatic capillaries called lacteals which transport them