Final answer:
Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats are called lipases. They are produced mainly in the pancreas and work in the small intestine to break down dietary lipids, allowing them to be absorbed by the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enzymes that speed up the hydrolysis of fats are known as lipases. Lipases are a type of hydrolase, which are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis reaction of various biological molecules. While proteases hydrolyze proteins and amylases hydrolyze carbohydrates, it is the lipases that specifically target fats, breaking them down into glycerol and free fatty acids. Most fat-digesting enzymes, including lipases, are produced in the pancreas and function primarily in the small intestine, where they play a critical role in the digestive process by breaking down dietary lipids. This allows fats to be emulsified by bile and subsequently absorbed by the body.