Several enzymes remove fatty acids, depending on the context. There isn't one single enzyme responsible for this process. The specific enzyme depends on the type of lipid being broken down and the location within the body.
Key Enzymes Involved in Fatty Acid Removal
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Lipase: This enzyme is crucial for breaking down fats (triglycerides) in food for absorption in the intestines. The pancreas, mouth, and stomach produce lipase. [Reference: Lipase definition]. Lipase removes fatty acids from glycerol molecules. [Reference: Chegg - Bile and lipases].
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Lipoprotein lipase (LPL): An extracellular enzyme that removes fatty acids from triglycerides within lipoproteins (chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins or VLDL). This process makes the lipoproteins smaller. [Reference: NCBI Bookshelf - Lipoprotein Lipase].
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Phospholipase: A group of enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids, a type of fat, into fatty acids. Phospholipase A1 (PLA1) is one example; it specifically removes a fatty acid from the phospholipid. [Reference: ScienceDirect - Phospholipase].
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Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1): This enzyme removes long-chain fatty acids (like palmitate) from specific proteins. [Reference: MedlinePlus Genetics - PPT1 gene].
It's important to note that some processes involve the removal of fatty acids but aren't directly catalyzed by an enzyme solely dedicated to this purpose. For example:
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Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) formation: Small amounts of alcohol react with fatty acids to form FAEEs. This isn't a direct enzymatic removal but rather a chemical modification involving fatty acids. [Reference: NIAAA - Alcohol Metabolism].
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Enzyme Inhibition: In some cases, fatty acids can inhibit enzyme activity. Removing the fatty acid molecules reverses the inhibition. [Reference: PubMed - Irreversible potent activation].
Understanding the Context is Crucial
The question "What enzyme removes fatty acids?" needs further clarification to provide the most accurate answer. The type of lipid (triglyceride, phospholipid, etc.), the location in the body, and the specific biological process all influence which enzyme(s) are primarily involved.
