Final answer:
Triglyceride degradation begins with lipolysis, which is the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids, followed by β-oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in triglyceride degradation is lipolysis. This biological process is essential for mobilizing stored energy in the form of triglycerides, which are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. During lipolysis, triglycerides undergo hydrolysis, breaking down into glycerol and fatty acids. This occurs before fatty acids enter the pathway of β-oxidation, where they are further catabolized for energy production.
The degradation of triglycerides begins in the cytoplasm, where the enzymatic hydrolysis releases fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids then undergo β-oxidation in the mitochondria, generating acetyl CoA for the Krebs cycle, while glycerol can enter the glycolysis pathway as dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP).
In summary, the correct sequence of triglyceride degradation begins with lipolysis, followed by β-oxidation, and then integration of the degradation products into central metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.