Final answer:
Beta oxidation occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and involves the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, requiring steps like dehydrogenation and conversion of fatty acyl CoA into ß-keto acyl-CoA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beta oxidation is the process by which fatty acids are broken down to generate acetyl-CoA, which then enters the Krebs cycle to produce ATP. Beta oxidation primarily takes place in the mitochondrial matrix after the fatty acids are transported from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria. Fatty acids undergo initial conversion into fatty acyl CoA, which then combines with carnitine to form fatty acyl carnitine. This helps in the transport of the fatty acid across the mitochondrial membrane. Once inside the matrix, the process involves various steps including the formation of ß-keto acyl-CoA and several dehydrogenation reactions releasing NADH and FADH₂, which are crucial for the production of ATP through the electron transport chain (ETC).