Lipase

This is a lipase enzyme of the hydrolase class (EC 3.1.1), with an optimal pH range of 8-9, hydrolyzing the 1,3 (a) ester bonds of triglycerides. Free fatty acids and 2 (p) monoglycerides are formed. Free glycerol is almost not formed in the intestine. The enzyme acts on emulsified fat droplets, so its efficiency depends on the amount of bile acids present in the intestine as emulsifiers. Pancreatic lipase best hydrolyzes triacylglycerols (triglycerides), less effectively diglycerides, and does not hydrolyze monoglycerides at all. This enzyme effectively hydrolyzes a(1,3) ester bonds and does not hydrolyze b(2) ester bonds. In addition, pancreatic lipase best hydrolyzes triglycerides containing short-chain and saturated fatty acids. As the fatty acid chain lengthens, the activity of pancreatic lipase decreases, but it does not change when the fatty acid chain contains 12-14 C atoms. Therefore, the action of pancreatic lipase results in the formation of a(2) monoglyceride and two free fatty acids.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė