Question

What is beta oxidation of fatty acids?

Answer 1

Beta oxidation is defined as the process that breaks the large molecules of fatty acids to release acetyl CoA that enters the citric acid cycle. During this process the beta carbons of the fatty acid undergoes oxidation to produce acetyl CoA. It occurs in the cytosol of the prokaryotes and in eukaryotes, it occurs in the mitochondria where the mitochondrial trifunctional proteins assist in the beta oxidation.

Answer 2

---> Beta oxidation is a catabolic process.

---> In this process fatty acid molecules are broken down forming acetyl-CoA.

---> This process usually occurs in Cytosol of Prokaryotes and in mitochondria of Eukaryotes.

---> Acetyl-CoA works in citric acid cycle.

---> It is named as 'beta' oxidation because the beta carbon of fatty acid undergoes oxidation.