Chapter 24, Problem 24.46AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given molecules should be arranged in the increasing order of their biological energy content per mole.

Concept introduction:

$\text{β-oxidation}$ is the oxidation and splitting of two carbon units at $\text{β}$- carbon atom. This results in sequential removal of 2 carbon fragments as acetyl CoA until the complete oxidation of fatty acids.

The length of a fatty acid will helps to determine the number of oxidation and the total number of acetyl CoA groups.

Number of acetyl CoA $=\frac{C}{2}$

Number of $\text{β-oxidation}$ cycles $=\frac{C}{2}-1$; where C is the number of carbon atoms.

The amount of ATP obtained from the substance depends on the length of the carbon chain.