The invention concerns the use of recombinant nucleotides sequences containing cDNA coding for a preduodenal lipase, or any sequence derived from this cDNA, for transforming plant cells in order to obtain recombinant preduodenal lipase or polypeptide derivatives. The invention also concerns the use of genetically modified plants or parts thereof, or extracts of these plants or the use of recombinant preduodenal lipase or resultant polypeptide derivatives in the field of foodstuffs, or for producing medicaments, or in industry.