Question

Differences between mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta-oxidation

Answer 1

Explanation:

Comparison of peroxisomal and mitochondrial fatty acid β oxidation pathways. As long-chain fatty acids cannot pass the organelle membranes by mere diffusion, fatty acids have to be actively transported across both peroxisomal and mitochondrial membranes. Prior to transport, fatty acids are activated outside the organelle by conjugation to either coenzyme A (peroxisomes) or carnitine (mitochondria). The activated long-chain fatty acids are imported into the organelles by specific import systems, whereas short- and medium chain fatty acids are supposed to enter mitochondria by diffusion prior to activation. Subsequently, fatty acids are degraded by β -oxidation in peroxisomes and mitochondria in four consecutive reactions ( 1 - 4 ). Concerning substrate specificity, peroxisomes degrade long- to very long-chain fatty