beta-oxidation
Fatty acid catabolism
Beta-oxidation is the metabolic process by which fatty acids are broken down to produce energy.
It occurs in the mitochondria, where fatty acid chains are progressively shortened by removing two-carbon units, which enter the citric acid cycle.
The process is a primary source of energy during fasting or prolonged exercise.
Carboxylic chain in lipids
- acyl-CoAFatty acid bound to carrier
- acetyl-CoAActivated two-carbon metabolic intermediate
- mitochondriaCell's energy-producing organelles
- carnitineFatty acid transporter molecule
spiral · cycle · FAD · NADH · dehydrogenase · peroxisome · matrix · catabolism
Cell's energy molecule
- citric acid cycleAerobic respiration's central pathway
- aerobicRequiring free oxygen
- thermogenesisMetabolic production of warmth
- ketogenesisMetabolic ketone synthesis
ketone bodies · fuel · metabolism · calorie · fasting · starvation · endurance · lipolysis
Insufficient blood glucose
- myopathyDisorder of muscle tissue
- metabolic diseaseDisorder of bodily chemistry
- newborn screeningMedical tests for infants
fatty acid
Carboxylic chain in lipids
- acyl-CoAFatty acid bound to carrier
- acetyl-CoAActivated two-carbon metabolic intermediate
- mitochondriaCell's energy-producing organelles
carnitine · spiral · cycle · FAD · NADH · dehydrogenase · peroxisome · matrix · catabolism · degradation
ATP
Cell's energy molecule
- citric acid cycleAerobic respiration's central pathway
- aerobicRequiring free oxygen
- thermogenesisMetabolic production of warmth
ketogenesis · ketone bodies · fuel · metabolism · calorie · fasting · starvation · endurance · lipolysis
hypoglycemia
Insufficient blood glucose
- myopathyDisorder of muscle tissue
- metabolic diseaseDisorder of bodily chemistry
- newborn screeningMedical tests for infants