Question 1: Colipase is an enzyme found in secretions from which of the following? (Recent NEET Pattern 2018)
- A. Salivary glands
- B. Gallbladder
- C. Pancreas (Correct Answer)
- D. Small intestine
- E. Liver
Explanation: ***Pancreas***
- The pancreas is the primary source of **colipase** secretion in the digestive system.
- Colipase is an essential co-factor for **pancreatic lipase**, helping it to anchor to the surface of **lipid droplets** and digest triglycerides in the presence of bile salts.
- Colipase is secreted by pancreatic acinar cells along with other pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum.
*Salivary glands*
- The salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual) produce saliva containing enzymes like **amylase** and **lingual lipase**.
- These glands do not secrete colipase, which is involved in fat digestion in the small intestine, not in the mouth.
*Gallbladder*
- The gallbladder stores and releases **bile**, which aids in fat emulsification.
- Bile does not contain colipase; colipase is produced by the pancreas and works synergistically with bile salts during fat digestion.
*Small intestine*
- The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs and produces some enzymes (e.g., brush border enzymes like maltase, lactase).
- The small intestine does not synthesize colipase; it receives colipase from pancreatic secretions via the pancreatic duct.
*Liver*
- The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the duodenum to emulsify fats.
- The liver does not produce colipase; this enzyme is specifically secreted by pancreatic acinar cells.