Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) 2025 Practice Exam – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Lipase is the enzyme group specifically involved in the hydrolysis of fats. Fats, which are also known as triglycerides, are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Lipase catalyzes the breakdown of these triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids through a process called hydrolysis, where water is used to split the bonds holding the glycerol and fatty acids together.

This enzymatic activity is crucial in digestion, as it allows the body to properly absorb and utilize fats from the food we consume. Lipase is produced primarily in the pancreas and small intestine, where it plays a vital role in fat metabolism.

In contrast, the other enzyme groups have different functions; proteases break down proteins into peptides and amino acids, amylases break down carbohydrates into sugars, and nucleases digest nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Each enzyme is specialized for its respective substrate, making lipase the key enzyme for fat digestion.