Final answer:
To metabolize triacylglycerols, the esters are hydrolyzed by enzymes called lipases, which break down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol for energy use in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
These enzymes specialize in breaking down lipids into their component fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be used for energy by the body. Digestive enzymes such as lipases play a crucial role in the lipolysis process, by cleaving the bonds of triglycerides to release fatty acids and glycerol.
The end products of fat digestion, which include monoacylglycerols (MAG), diacylglycerols (DAG), triacylglycerols (TAG), free fatty acids, and glycerol, are important sources of energy for the human body, especially when glucose levels are low. Once in the cytoplasm, fatty acids are oxidized to generate ATP through aerobic respiration, demonstrating the importance of these enzymes in energy production.