Question

What is a correct statement of beta-oxidation compared to citric acid cycle steps?

A. Both pathways include two NAD⁺   ⟶ NADH steps

B. Neither pathway reduces electron carriers.

C.   Both pathways demonstrate a pattern of dehydrogenation, hydration, and a second dehydrogenation.

D. Fatty acid acyl-CoA correlates with fumarate - both commence a dehydrogenation step.

E. The chemical logic of the steps of beta-oxidation mirror the steps of malate⟶ citrate ⟶ pyruvate ⟶ oxaloacetate

Answer 1

The correct statement of beta oxidation compared to citric acid cycle is (C) Both pathways demonstrate a pattern of Dehydrogenation, hydration and a second dehydrogenation.

Fatty acids are dismembered through beta oxidation of fatty acyl CoA in four steps involving :

1. Formation of trans acyl CoA through dehydrogenation by enzyme acyl CoA dehydrogenase
2. Hydration of trans acyl CoA by enol CoA hydratase to form hydroxy acyl CoA.
3. Dehydrogenation of hydroxy acyl CoA to form Beta ketoacyl Co A which is NAD+ dependent.

These steps resemble citric acid cycle reactions that convert succinate to oxaloacetate.