Which pancreatic enzyme digests triglycerides and what cofactor is required for optimal function?

• A. Pancreatic amylase; requires amylase inhibitor
• B. Pancreatic lipase; requires colipase
• C. Pancreatic protease; requires zinc
• D. Pancreatic nuclease; requires calcium

Answer: (B)

Digesting fats in the small intestine is carried out by pancreatic lipase, which breaks down triglycerides into monoglycerides and fatty acids. For lipase to function effectively in the intestinal environment, it needs colipase as a cofactor. Colipase binds the lipase and anchors it to the lipid-water interface, helping it overcome interference from bile salts and thus enabling efficient fat digestion. The other enzymes target different nutrients (starch, proteins, nucleic acids) and don’t rely on colipase, so they’re not correct for this question.