Chapter 12, Problem 4Q

Summary Introduction

To review:

The reason behind the possibility of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis taking place in the absence of oxygen, but no possibility of beta-oxidation in the absence of the same.

Introduction:

Glycolysis refers to the breakdown of glucose molecules to produce two molecules of pyruvate. Beta-oxidation, on the other hand, is the degradation of fatty acids. Fats are composed of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acid chains. Both glucose and fatty acids are sources of energy for the cell. ATP is the energy currency of the cell. It is mostly synthesized by the mitochondria after the ATP synthase enzyme receives electron carriers from the electron transport chain (ETC).