Lipase and colipase are produced by which organ?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Liver
• C. Stomach
• D. Small intestine

Answer: (A)

Pancreatic enzymes responsible for fat digestion are produced by the pancreas. Pancreatic lipase is the main enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides in the small intestine, and it requires colipase to function effectively in the presence of bile salts. Both lipase and colipase are synthesized by pancreatic acinar cells and secreted into pancreatic juice, then delivered to the duodenum. Colipase helps anchor lipase to the fat droplets, enabling efficient hydrolysis. The liver makes bile for fat emulsification but does not produce these enzymes; the stomach contributes gastric lipase, and the small intestine hosts other enzymes, but these two are produced by the pancreas.