Types of Lipases

Among the essential enzymes needed by the human body as well as other living organisms is lipase. It is a water-soluble enzyme which acts as a catalyst in initiating hydrolysis and processes dietary lipids such as fats, oils and triglycerides. Without lipase, essential activities that take part in making the life cycle work would not be achieved.

Function

• Lipases serve as an integral part of a lipid substrate and their main function is to break down fats and triglycerides during in human digestion and convert them into free fatty acids. Most lipases and their respective activities exist in nature, and they provide the same function in digesting nutrients in other organisms.

Distribution

• Most lipases are used and are present in various diverse biological processes and activities such as routine metabolism of triglycerides and cell signaling. They also take part in the process of inflammation, depending on which part of the cell they are assigned to work. Other lipases meanwhile work within extracellular spaces and compartments such as the organelles.

Types

• Human lipases have many different types. Bile salt dependent lipase is secreted in the pancreas and mammary glands and helps in digesting fats. Digestive juices such as pancreatic lipase, gastric lipase and lingual lipase work with other proteins to generate optimal enzyme activity in the different organs of the body, while lysosomal lipase works within the organelles. Endothelium-based lipases such as hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase on the other hand help regenerate low density lipoprotein in the blood in order to accommodate fatty acids.

Other Applications

• Aside from helping humans digest fat and triglycerides in the body, lipases also exhibit functions integral to the process of fermentation. They are sometimes secreted by bacteria and fungi to initiate nutrient absorption, such as in the case of pathogenic microbes which thrive by means of invading a host. Venoms from bees and wasps also carry certain lipases such as phospholipases which work by enhancing the biological payload of inflammation once a victim was hit by a sting. Overall, lipases, regardless of type, are important players in promoting maintaining cell biology.

Industrial Uses

• Due to their role in nutrient absorption and transformation, lipases are used in the production of starch, yogurt and cheese, as these dietary products undergo fermentation. As catalysts, they are also used in biotechnology purposes to provide more innovative baking ingredients and laundry detergents. Additionally, they are used in alternative energy strategies such as transforming vegetable oil into industrial fuel.