In this article we will discuss about the mechanisms of oxidation of fatty acids in living organisms with the help of suitable diagrams. The process of successive β-oxidation was described by Knoop in 1905. In this process the oxidation takes place in the carbon atom at the β-position (third from the carboxyl group). This carbon atom is converted into a [...]
In this article we will discuss about the process of biosynthesis of fatty acids, explained with the help of suitable diagrams. Synthesis of Saturated Fatty Acids: It must be pointed out at the very outset that the biosynthesis of fatty acids does not generally take place by the reactions — in the reverse direction — of β-oxidation; the latter are [...]
In this article we will discuss about the process of oxidation of fatty acids. Oxidation of Even-Carbon, Saturated Straight Chained Fatty Acids: A. Activation of Fatty Acids: Before they are oxidized, fatty acids must be activated. This activation requires energy (supplied by ATP) and takes place in 2 steps, as may be seen in figure 5-10. In a first step, [...]