Question

II. Because lipids are not water-soluble describe some of the “special” mechanisms or entities that are in place

to break them down and transport them. What are the enzymes that break them down, and what are the

structures after they are broken down. Where are chylomicrons transported? Why? What is the liver’s role?

Answer 1

Lipids are digested by lipases which start from the mouth. The action of lipases converts lipids to fatty acids and glycerol. The gastric lipases work at pH 7-8 along with pancreatic lipases does the digestion of lipids occurs in the intestine. The digestion of lipids is assisted by emulsification of fats in which the bile juices (secreted by the liver) converting the fat molecules to smaller fatty acid molecules. These are known as chylomicrons. The glycerin is directly absorbed by the intestine and the chylomicrons are absorbed by lacteals. Lacteals are lymph nodes which serve the purpose of transportation of the chylomicrons of fatty acids.