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

1. β-oxidation occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.
2. The process involves four recurring steps: dehydrogenation, hydration, oxidation, and thiolysis.
3. Each cycle of β-oxidation shortens the fatty acid chain by two carbon atoms, producing one acetyl-CoA molecule.
4. NADH and FADH2 produced during β-oxidation are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.
5. 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?

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).