What pancreatic enzyme is secreted in its active form?

The pancreatic enzyme that is secreted in its active form is lipase. Lipase plays a crucial role in the digestion of dietary fats by breaking them down into free fatty acids and glycerol. Unlike other pancreatic enzymes, which are secreted in inactive forms (known as zymogens) and require activation in the intestinal lumen, lipase is released directly in its active form.

This enzymatic function is essential for the emulsification and absorption of fats, which is a vital aspect of nutrient metabolism. While amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin are also important enzymes in the digestive process, they are secreted as proenzymes (amylase is secreted as proamylase, and both trypsin and chymotrypsin are secreted as trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen, respectively) and require activation through enzymatic cleavage to function effectively. This mechanism helps prevent the enzymes from digesting the tissues of the pancreas itself prior to reaching the intestine where they can perform their roles in digestion.