Fatty acid metabolism is also known as beta-oxidation. During beta-oxidation, acetyl-CoA is produced which can be used in the citric acid cycle. When ATP is needed, ATP may be generated by increasing fatty acid metabolism. Therefore fatty acids constitute a large energy source for organisms since it can be a source of generated ATP when needed. Fatty acid metabolism is essentially the reverse reaction of fatty acid synthesis which is essential for cellular processes since the membrane is mostly made up of fatty acids.

Fatty Acid Metabolism References