What is the main enzyme responsible for lipid digestion?

The main enzyme responsible for lipid digestion is lipase. Lipases are specialized enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of lipids, breaking them down into fatty acids and glycerol. This process is essential for the absorption of dietary fats in the digestive system. Lipase acts primarily in the small intestine, where it interacts with bile salts to efficiently emulsify fats, making them more accessible for digestion.

The other enzymes mentioned serve different functions: amylase is involved in carbohydrate digestion, proteases break down proteins into amino acids, and cellulase is responsible for the breakdown of cellulose, which humans cannot digest and is relevant primarily in certain organisms. Therefore, lipase is critical in the digestive process for lipids, highlighting its unique and crucial role in the metabolism of fats.