Final answer:
The carbon backbone reactions of β-oxidation consist of four steps: activation of fatty acids, formation of α-β unsaturated acyl-CoA, formation of β-hydroxy acyl-CoA, and formation of β-keto acyl-CoA.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Activation of fatty acids: The fatty acid is activated by attaching Coenzyme A (CoA) to form acyl-CoA.
- Formation of α-β unsaturated acyl-CoA (Enoyl-CoA): In this step, a double bond is formed between the α and β carbons of the acyl-CoA.
- Formation of β-hydroxy acyl-CoA: A molecule of water is added to the β-carbon, resulting in the formation of a hydroxyl group.
- Formation of β-keto acyl-CoA: The hydroxyl group is oxidized, and the β-ketoacyl-CoA is formed.