Write the equation for the final step in the catabolism of any fatty acid with an even number of carbons.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify that the final step in the catabolism of a fatty acid with an even number of carbons is the beta-oxidation process.
2. Recognize that beta-oxidation involves the breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA units.
3. Understand that each cycle of beta-oxidation shortens the fatty acid chain by two carbon atoms, producing one acetyl-CoA, one FADH2, and one NADH.
4. For the final step, note that the last two carbon atoms of the fatty acid are converted into one acetyl-CoA molecule.
5. Write the equation for the final step: C2H4O2-CoA (acyl-CoA) + CoA-SH + FAD + NAD+ + H2O → 2 Acetyl-CoA + FADH2 + NADH + H+.

Key Concepts

Fatty Acid Catabolism

Fatty acid catabolism refers to the metabolic process by which fatty acids are broken down to produce energy. This process primarily occurs in the mitochondria and involves several steps, including activation, transport into the mitochondria, and beta-oxidation, where fatty acids are converted into acetyl-CoA units.

Beta-Oxidation

Beta-oxidation is the key metabolic pathway for the degradation of fatty acids. During this process, fatty acids are sequentially cleaved into two-carbon acetyl-CoA molecules. Each cycle of beta-oxidation involves the oxidation of the fatty acid, the addition of water, and the release of acetyl-CoA, along with reduced cofactors like NADH and FADH2.

Final Step of Fatty Acid Catabolism

The final step in the catabolism of even-numbered fatty acids occurs when the last two-carbon unit is converted into acetyl-CoA. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme thiolase, which cleaves the fatty acyl-CoA, resulting in the production of acetyl-CoA that can enter the citric acid cycle for further energy production.