Lipase is the first enzyme involved in the degradation of stored lipids. The increase in free fatty acid (FFA) levels in palm oil is attributed to the action of lipase. However, evidence as to the nature of the lipase has been contradictory. Oo (1981) and Tombs and Stubbs (1982) reported the absence of endogenous lipase in the oil palm mesocarp and attributed FFA increases in the oil palm mesocarp to microbial activity.

Main Researcher: Dr S Ravigadevi     
Email: raviga@mpob.gov.my