β-oxidation
Definition
β-oxidation is the metabolic process through which fatty acids are broken down in the mitochondria to generate acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2. It is a crucial step in lipid catabolism and energy production.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- β-oxidation occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.
- The process involves four recurring steps: dehydrogenation, hydration, oxidation, and thiolysis.
- Each cycle of β-oxidation shortens the fatty acid chain by two carbon atoms, producing one acetyl-CoA molecule.
- NADH and FADH2 produced during β-oxidation are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.
- Regulation of β-oxidation is closely linked to carbohydrate metabolism through signaling molecules like malonyl-CoA.
Review Questions
- What are the main products generated by each cycle of β-oxidation?
- In which cellular organelle does β-oxidation primarily occur?
- How does malonyl-CoA regulate β-oxidation?
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Related terms
Acetyl-CoA: A molecule that enters the citric acid cycle for further energy production.
Electron Transport Chain: A series of protein complexes that generate ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
Malonyl-CoA: An intermediate in fatty acid biosynthesis that inhibits carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1).
