What process breaks down triglycerides?

Lipolysis is the biochemical process that breaks down triglycerides, which are a type of fat found in the body. During lipolysis, triglycerides are hydrolyzed into glycerol and free fatty acids, allowing the body to utilize these components for energy, particularly during periods of fasting or intense physical activity. This process is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis and providing substrates for various metabolic pathways.

On the other hand, proteolysis refers to the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids, which is not related to triglyceride metabolism. Glycolysis is specifically the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, primarily focusing on carbohydrate metabolism rather than fats. Oxidation, while it encompasses various metabolic processes including the utilization of fats for energy, does not specifically denote the breakdown of triglycerides into their constituent parts. Lipolysis is the precise term that describes this crucial step in fat metabolism.