BETA OXIDATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Beta oxidation is a metabolic process that takes place in the cells of living organisms, specifically in the mitochondria, and involves the breakdown of fatty acids to produce energy. It is a crucial step in the catabolism of fatty acids, which are a major source of fuel for the body.
During beta oxidation, long-chain fatty acids are sequentially cleaved into two-carbon units called acetyl-CoA through a series of enzymatic reactions. This process occurs in four main steps: activation, dehydrogenation, hydration, and cleavage. These reactions result in the breaking of fatty acids into smaller units, which can be further processed in the citric acid cycle to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells.
Beta oxidation is a highly regulated process that is influenced by various factors such as hormone levels, metabolic state, and nutrient availability. It plays a significant role in energy homeostasis and enables the utilization of stored fat as a source of energy during periods of fasting or increased energy demand.
Overall, beta oxidation is a vital metabolic pathway that facilitates the efficient breakdown of fatty acids, providing energy for various physiological processes. Understanding the intricate mechanisms and regulation of beta oxidation is crucial for comprehending the metabolism of fatty acids and its implications in areas such as energy balance, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
Common Misspellings for BETA OXIDATION
- veta oxidation
- neta oxidation
- heta oxidation
- geta oxidation
- bwta oxidation
- bsta oxidation
- bdta oxidation
- brta oxidation
- b4ta oxidation
- b3ta oxidation
- bera oxidation
- befa oxidation
- bega oxidation
- beya oxidation
- be6a oxidation
- be5a oxidation
- betz oxidation
- bets oxidation
- betw oxidation
- betq oxidation
Etymology of BETA OXIDATION
The word "beta oxidation" comes from the Greek letter "beta", which represents the second letter of the Greek alphabet. The term "oxidation" refers to the process of removing hydrogen atoms or electrons from a molecule.
In beta oxidation, the process involves the breakdown of fatty acids in living cells to produce energy. The fatty acids are broken down into two-carbon units known as Acetyl-CoA, which can further participate in the citric acid cycle and ultimately generate ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), the main energy currency of cells.
The name "beta oxidation" indicates that the oxidation process occurs specifically on the beta (second) carbon atom of the fatty acid molecule.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
