Which of the following is true when comparing the B-oxidation of a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid to that of a saturated fatty acid?

Chemistry
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Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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### β-Oxidation of Unsaturated vs. Saturated Fatty Acids: Key Differences

**Question:**
Which of the following is true when comparing the β-oxidation of a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid to that of a saturated fatty acid?

**Options:**
1. It involves an extra step to convert a trans double bond to a cis double bond.
2. It proceeds by a totally different pathway.
3. It involves an extra step to convert a cis double bond to a trans double bond.
4. It is identical to the β-oxidation of a saturated fatty acid.

---

This educational question tests the understanding of the biochemical pathway differences in the β-oxidation of unsaturated versus saturated fatty acids. Here are the options explained:

1. **Extra Step for Trans to Cis Conversion**: This option is incorrect as it does not describe the biochemical processes accurately.
   
2. **Totally Different Pathway**: This is incorrect since the main pathway remains the same; however, there are additional steps involved for unsaturated fatty acids.

3. **Extra Step for Cis to Trans Conversion**: Correct. Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids typically have cis double bonds. During β-oxidation, an enzyme is required to convert these cis double bonds to trans double bonds so that the process can proceed efficiently.

4. **Identical β-Oxidation**: This is incorrect as there are distinct additional steps when dealing with unsaturated fatty acids compared to saturated ones.

For further detail, enzymes like enoyl-CoA isomerase are involved in converting the cis double bonds to trans double bonds, allowing the fatty acid to enter the regular β-oxidation cycle.

---
**Answer:**
3. It involves an extra step to convert a cis double bond to a trans double bond.
Transcribed Image Text:### β-Oxidation of Unsaturated vs. Saturated Fatty Acids: Key Differences **Question:** Which of the following is true when comparing the β-oxidation of a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid to that of a saturated fatty acid? **Options:** 1. It involves an extra step to convert a trans double bond to a cis double bond. 2. It proceeds by a totally different pathway. 3. It involves an extra step to convert a cis double bond to a trans double bond. 4. It is identical to the β-oxidation of a saturated fatty acid. --- This educational question tests the understanding of the biochemical pathway differences in the β-oxidation of unsaturated versus saturated fatty acids. Here are the options explained: 1. **Extra Step for Trans to Cis Conversion**: This option is incorrect as it does not describe the biochemical processes accurately. 2. **Totally Different Pathway**: This is incorrect since the main pathway remains the same; however, there are additional steps involved for unsaturated fatty acids. 3. **Extra Step for Cis to Trans Conversion**: Correct. Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids typically have cis double bonds. During β-oxidation, an enzyme is required to convert these cis double bonds to trans double bonds so that the process can proceed efficiently. 4. **Identical β-Oxidation**: This is incorrect as there are distinct additional steps when dealing with unsaturated fatty acids compared to saturated ones. For further detail, enzymes like enoyl-CoA isomerase are involved in converting the cis double bonds to trans double bonds, allowing the fatty acid to enter the regular β-oxidation cycle. --- **Answer:** 3. It involves an extra step to convert a cis double bond to a trans double bond.
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