Question

In the process known as β oxidation, acetyl groups are removed from the end of which molecules to be combined with coenzyme A to produce acetyl-CoA?

Answer 1

In beta (β)-oxidation, acetyl groups are cleaved from fatty acids and then combined with coenzyme A to form acetyl-CoA, which can enter the Krebs cycle for ATP production.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the process known as beta (β)-oxidation, acetyl groups are removed from the end of fatty acids to be combined with coenzyme A to produce acetyl-CoA. This biochemical pathway involves the degradation of fatty acids in the mitochondria where they are initially converted into fatty acyl CoA molecules. These are then transported into the mitochondrial matrix, where they undergo a cyclic process of oxidation, hydration, oxidation again, and then thiolytic cleavage, which ultimately yields acetyl-CoA and a shortened fatty acyl-CoA. The cycle continues, repeatedly cleaving two-carbon acetyl-CoA units from the carboxyl end of the fatty acid until the entire chain is converted into acetyl-CoA units, which can enter the Krebs cycle to produce ATP.