Chapter 14, Problem 14.45EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nature of the extra step needed for the degradation of cis-3-hexanoic acid, a $6:1$ acid as compared to the degradation of hexanoic acid, a $6:0$ acid has to be described.

Concept introduction:

The β-oxidation pathway is defined as a repetitive series of four biochemical reactions in which acyl CoA is degraded to acetyl CoA by the removal of two carbon atoms at a time. NADH and FADH₂ are also produced in this pathway.

Unsaturated fatty acids are common components of dietary triacylglycerols. The oxidation process of unsaturated fatty acids through the β-oxidation pathway needed two additional enzymes besides those that are needed for the oxidation of saturated fatty acids.