Bétaoxidációs

Bétaoxidációs is the process by which fatty acids are broken down to generate energy. This metabolic pathway primarily occurs in the mitochondria and peroxisomes of eukaryotic cells. The process involves a series of enzymatic reactions that progressively shorten the fatty acid chain by two carbon atoms at a time, producing acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2. Acetyl-CoA can then enter the citric acid cycle for further energy production, while NADH and FADH2 contribute to the electron transport chain.

The complete breakdown of a fatty acid via beta-oxidation is a crucial source of ATP, particularly during periods of fasting or prolonged exercise when glucose levels are low. The process is tightly regulated to meet the cell's energy demands. Different fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation at varying rates depending on their chain length and saturation. Short and medium-chain fatty acids can be directly transported into the mitochondria, while long-chain fatty acids require a carrier system involving carnitine.

Defects in beta-oxidation can lead to a group of inherited metabolic disorders known as fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs). These disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, liver problems, and neurological issues, due to the accumulation of fatty acids or a deficiency in energy production. Dietary management and supportive therapies are often employed to manage these conditions.