Question

a. What reaction do lipase catalyze?
c. Which drug targets a lipase? How is it specific for that one lipase?


2. For the following answer - brain, liver, muscle, intestines, RBC, or adipose (there can be more than one answer or none).
a. Synthesize(s) triacylglycerols?
b. Synthesize(s) VLDL?
c. Synthesize(s) chylomicrons?
d. Synthesize(s) fatty acids for energy storage?
e. Store(s) triacylglycerols?
f. Can undergo beta-oxidation for energy?

Answer 1

a) The enzyme lipase catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides (triacylglycerols) or fats. Lipase catalyzes the breakdown of lipids by hydrolyzing the esters of fatty acids. Its function is important for digestion and promoting absorption of fats in the intestines.Lipase is primarily found in and secreted by the pancreas, but is also found in the saliva and stomach.

b) Lipase inhibitors are substances used to reduce the activity of lipases found in the intestine. Orlisat is a lipase inhibitor.

The primary role of lipase inhibitors is to decrease the gastrointestinal absorption of fats. Lipase inhibitors, as the name suggests, bind to this enzyme pancreatic lipase and block its activity. Since fat remains undigested, it passes out of the body as part of stools.

Lipase inhibitors block all types of fat and not any particular type of fat.

2) a. Synthesize(s) triacylglycerols - Liver and adipose are primary synthesizers of triacylglycerols.

b. Synthesize(s) VLDL- The liver again synthesizes Very Low Density Lipoproteins. Estrogen-induced chick parenchymal liver cells (hepatocytes) synthesize and secrete large amounts of VLDL.

c. Synthesize(s) chylomicrons - Chylomicrons are synthesized by enterocytes from lipids absorbed in the small intestine.

d. Synthesize(s) fatty acids for energy storage - This process takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. The major sites of fatty acid synthesis are adipose tissue and the liver.

e. Store(s) triacylglycerols - The major site of accumulation of triacylglycerols is the cytoplasm of adipose cells (fat cells).

f. Can undergo beta-oxidation for energy - Beta oxidation occurs in the cells in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. It also happens in the liver at an anatomical level.

Cheers and Good luck !!