Question

Question:What is the importance of lipoprotein lipase?

Short answer

Answer

Lipoprotein lipases are water-soluble enzymes that hydrolyze triglycerols present in the various lipoprotein to monoacylglycerol and fatty acids.

Step-by-step solution

Lipoprotein

Lipoproteins contain two types of lipids - triglycerides and cholesterol that are carried to body cells. They have a round structure made up of lipids and proteins synthesized in the liver and intestine.

Importance of lipoprotein lipase

Triglycerides present in the lipoproteins like chylomicrons and very-low-density protein (VLDP) are hydrolyzed to fatty acid and monoacylglycerol in the presence of lipoprotein lipase enzyme. It is a water-soluble enzyme that belongs to the lipase family.

Due to hydrolysis, chylomicrons shrink and are reduced to cholesterol-enriched chylomicron remnants. These remnants re-enter the blood circulation after dissociating from the capillary endothelium. They are then taken up by the liver.