Fatty acid degradation
Fatty acid degradation is a crucial metabolic process that plays a significant role in energy production within the human body. This process involves the breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA molecules, which can then enter the citric acid cycle to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of cells.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Fatty acid degradation, also known as beta-oxidation, occurs in the mitochondria of cells and involves a series of enzymatic reactions that sequentially remove two-carbon units from the fatty acid chain. These two-carbon units are converted into acetyl-CoA, which can then be further metabolized to produce energy.
Steps of Fatty Acid Degradation[edit | edit source]
1. Activation: Fatty acids are first activated by attaching CoA to form acyl-CoA, a process catalyzed by acyl-CoA synthetase.
2. Transport into Mitochondria: Acyl-CoA is then transported into the mitochondria by carnitine shuttle system.
3. Beta-Oxidation: The fatty acid chain undergoes a series of four enzymatic reactions in the mitochondrial matrix, resulting in the removal of two-carbon acetyl-CoA units.
4. Acetyl-CoA Processing: Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Importance of Fatty Acid Degradation[edit | edit source]
Fatty acid degradation is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis in the body, especially during periods of fasting or prolonged exercise when glucose levels are low. It provides a significant source of ATP production and helps to preserve glucose for vital organs such as the brain.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD