Fatty Acids Index  |   Outline  |   FAQ  |   Feedback


I. Frequently Asked Questions about Fatty Acid Metabolism

Importance of Fatty Acids Importance of Fatty Acids: Answer     Role of CoA Role of CoA: Answer     Essential Fatty Acids Essential Fatty Acids: Answer     Fatty Acid Structure Fatty Acid Structure: Answer     Fatty Acid Nomenclature Fatty Acid Nomenclature: Answer     Fatty Acyl Chain Growth Fatty Acyl Chain Growth: Answer     Fatty Acid Mobilization Fatty Acid Mobilization: Answer     Fatty Acid Activation Fatty Acid Activation: Answer     Transport into Mitochondria Transport into Mitochondria: Answer     Synthesis <I>vs.</I> Beta-Oxidation Synthesis <I>vs.</I> Beta-Oxidation: Answer     Ketone Bodies Ketone Bodies: Answer     Regulation of Ketone Body Production Regulation of Ketone Body Production: Answer     Previous Page Next Page

Synthesis vs. Beta-Oxidation: Answer

What are the differences between fatty acid synthesis and beta-oxidation?

The two processes are superficially the reverse of one another. There are, however, several important differences, allowing for differential control, with one process inhibited while the other is stimulated.

Fatty Acid Synthesis and Beta Oxidation Compared
Synthesis Beta-Oxidation
cytoplasm mitochondria
multifunctional enzyme separate enzymes
NADPH NAD and FAD
Energy requirement:
49 ATP equivalents		 Energy yield:
33 ATP equivalents
Regulation:
Acetyl CoA carboxylase		 Regulation:
Acetyl CoA availability

Top

Previous Page Next Page

Copyright © James Baggott, 1997, 1998