Lipase

Lipase refers to a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats. Some lipases display a broad substrate scope including esters of cholesterol, phospholipids, and of lipid-soluble vitamins, and sphingomyelinases; however, these are usually treated separately from "conventional" lipases. Unlike esterases, which function in water, lipases "are activated only when adsorbed to an oil-water interface". Lipases perform essential roles in the digestion, transport and processing of dietary lipids in most organisms.