Beta-oxidation
Beta-oxidation
Beta-oxidation (pronounced: BAY-tuh ox-ih-DAY-shun) is a metabolic process involving multiple steps by which fatty acid molecules are broken down within the body's cells to produce energy.
Etymology
The term "beta-oxidation" comes from the fact that oxidation occurs at the beta (second) carbon atom in the fatty acid chain.
Process
In Beta-oxidation, fatty acids are broken down in the mitochondria and peroxisomes to generate Acetyl-CoA, the entry molecule for the Krebs cycle in the process of cellular respiration. This process consists of a series of reactions, and each reaction is catalyzed by a specific enzyme.
Related Terms
- Fatty acid metabolism: The process by which fats are broken down in the body to produce energy.
- Acetyl-CoA: A molecule that participates in many biochemical reactions in protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Its main function is to deliver the acetyl group to the Krebs cycle to be oxidized for energy production.
- Krebs cycle: Also known as the citric acid cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and carbon dioxide.
- Mitochondria: A double membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic organisms. Some cells in some multicellular organisms may, however, lack them (for example, mature mammalian red blood cells).
- Peroxisomes: A type of organelle known as a microbody, found in virtually all eukaryotic cells. They are involved in catabolism of very long chain fatty acids, branched chain fatty acids, D-amino acids, and polyamines, reduction of reactive oxygen species – specifically hydrogen peroxide – and biosynthesis of plasmalogens, i.e., ether phospholipids critical for the normal function of mammalian brains and lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beta-oxidation
- Wikipedia's article - Beta-oxidation
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