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Multiple Choice

Why can the lingual lipase continue to function in the stomach when swallowed?

Lingual lipase is able to work in the stomach because it is acid-tolerant. It is secreted in saliva and remains active in the stomach’s highly acidic environment, where gastric acid would inactivate many other enzymes. This stability allows it to start digesting triglycerides even before enzymes from the pancreas reach the small intestine. It does not require neutral pH, is not activated by bile, and is not inhibited by acid, which is why it can continue functioning as fats enter and mix with stomach contents.

Lingual lipase is able to work in the stomach because it is acid-tolerant. It is secreted in saliva and remains active in the stomach’s highly acidic environment, where gastric acid would inactivate many other enzymes. This stability allows it to start digesting triglycerides even before enzymes from the pancreas reach the small intestine. It does not require neutral pH, is not activated by bile, and is not inhibited by acid, which is why it can continue functioning as fats enter and mix with stomach contents.