Question

Activation of Acetyl CoA carboxylase in muscle increases β-oxidation when necessary.

T/F?

Answer 1

This statement is False. Activation of Acetyl CoA carboxylase in muscle decreases β-oxidation when necessary. Acetyl CoA carboxylase catalyses the first step in the synthesis of fatty acid from Acetyl CoA. It converts Acetyl CoA to Malonyl CoA - this is the first committed step in the biosynthesis process. So, activation of Acetyl CoA carboxylase enzyme will lead to synthesis of fatty acids and will inhibit β-oxidation of fatty acids. When energy is low in the body, Acetyl CoA carboxylase is inhibited so that fatty acids are broken down by β-oxidation to get energy. On the other hand, when there is sufficient energy in the body and a scarcity of fatty acids, the Acetyl CoA carboxylase enzyme is activated which inhibits β-oxidation and leads to synthesis of fatty acids.