Question

The form of fatty acid that is transported into the mitochondrion is

A) sulfated fatty acid
B) fatty acyl CoA
C) decarboxylated fatty acid residues.
D) triacylglycerols.
E) phospholipids.

Answer 1

The correct form of fatty acid transported into the mitochondrion for β-oxidation is fatty acyl CoA, which is converted to fatty acyl carnitine by carnitine acyltransferase I for transport across the mitochondrial membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

The form of fatty acid that is transported into the mitochondrion for β-oxidation is fatty acyl CoA. To enter the mitochondrial matrix, fatty acyl CoA must first be converted to fatty acyl carnitine in the presence of the enzyme carnitine acyltransferase I. This conversion occurs outside the mitochondrial inner membrane. Then, fatty acyl carnitine is transported across the membrane via a translocase protein. Inside the matrix, it is converted back to fatty acyl CoA by carnitine acyltransferase II for further oxidation. The carnitine shuttle system ensures that activated fatty acids are efficiently delivered to the site of β-oxidation within the mitochondria.