To solve the question, we need to identify which enzyme is responsible for breaking down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Let's examine each of the options:
- Lipase: Lipases are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in lipid metabolism. They specifically catalyze the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. This makes lipase the correct answer.
- Zymase: This is an enzyme complex found in yeast cells, which is responsible for the fermentation process in converting sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Zymase does not hydrolyze triglycerides.
- Pepsin: Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides in the stomach. It is not involved in lipid digestion and does not hydrolyze triglycerides.
- Maltase: Maltase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of maltose into glucose. It is not related to the hydrolysis of triglycerides.
Based on this explanation, the enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol is indeed lipase.
In summary, lipase is the enzyme that carries out the biochemical reaction of breaking down triglycerides into their components.