Fatty acid oxidation is also known as beta-oxidation. The fatty acid oxidation pathway converts fatty acids into acetyl-CoA under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Enzymes in this pathway can process short and long chain fatty acids, both starting the conversion of acyl-CoA to enoyl-CoA. The pathway continues in a cycle, each turn removing two carbon atoms from the input acyl-CoA to produce acetyl-CoA and NADH. Fatty acids are an important source of energy because they can be reduced due to their anhydrous properties. In addition, fatty acid oxidation yields more energy when compared to carbohydrates.

Fatty Acid Oxidation References