Final answer:
Option c) Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fat, mainly through the action of pancreatic lipase in the small intestine, where the majority of fat digestion occurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enzyme Responsible for Fat Digestion:
The enzyme that breaks down fat in the digestive system is known as c) lipase.
There are several types of lipases involved in lipid digestion including lingual lipase, gastric lipase, and pancreatic lipase. However, the majority of fat digestion occurs in the small intestine, primarily through the action of pancreatic lipase. This enzyme cleaves each triglyceride molecule into two free fatty acids and one monoglyceride.
Most fat-digesting enzymes are produced in the pancreas. The pancreas secretes pancreatic lipase into the small intestine where it can work effectively. Lipids are emulsified by bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which breaks large globules of fats into smaller micelles. This emulsification increases the surface area of the lipid, allowing lipase to more efficiently break down the fat molecules.