Summary
Fatty acids are broken into acetyl-CoA two carbons at a time for use in the Krebs cycle.
In depth
Fatty acids are activated to acyl-CoA, carried into mitochondria by carnitine, and each cycle gives one FADH2, one NADH and one acetyl-CoA. Palmitate (16C) yields about 106 ATP. Fat gives more ATP per gram than carbohydrate.
It takes place in mitochondria (and peroxisomes for very long chains). Carnitine shuttle is rate-limiting. Odd-chain fatty acids yield propionyl-CoA.
Remember: fats cannot be converted to glucose in animals.
Frequently asked questions
What is Beta-Oxidation?
Fatty acids are broken into acetyl-CoA two carbons at a time for use in the Krebs cycle.
Which area of biology covers Beta-Oxidation, and how advanced is it?
Beta-Oxidation is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Lipid Biosynthesis, Link Reaction, Glucose as Fuel.
Can you give an example of Beta-Oxidation?
Hibernating animals rely mostly on fat.
What should I learn before Beta-Oxidation?
Work through the Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics first, such as Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP, then return to Beta-Oxidation. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Beta-Oxidation?
The closest topics to Beta-Oxidation are Lipid Biosynthesis, Link Reaction, Glucose as Fuel, ATP Yield from Glucose. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Beta-Oxidation?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Beta-Oxidation. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
How is Beta-Oxidation different from Lipid Biosynthesis?
Beta-Oxidation: Fatty acids are broken into acetyl-CoA two carbons at a time for use in the Krebs cycle. Lipid Biosynthesis: Fatty acid synthase builds fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA using NADPH. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Beta-Oxidation step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Lipid Biosynthesis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.