Chapter 12, Problem 46FB

Summary Introduction

To review:

The blank space in the statement,“Oxidation of phytanic acid produces acetyl-CoA and _____ as the end products.”

Introduction:

Phytanic acid is a 20-carbon fatty acid. It is a branched chain thatcan be obtained by the consumption of dairy products and other foods derived from herbivores. Phytanic acid is an oxidation product of phytol. Degradation of phytanic acid occurs in two steps. First, α (alpha)-oxidation occurs in peroxisome and then, β (beta)-oxidation occurs that results in complete degradation. The absence of its oxidation mechanism can result in Refsum’s disease, which can cause neurological issues due to interference with the process of myelination.