How many molecules of acetyl-CoA result from catabolism of 1 molecule of glyceryl trilaurate?
(Hint: See Worked Example 24.3 and don’t forget glycerol.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of glyceryl trilaurate, which is a triglyceride composed of glycerol and three lauric acid molecules.
2. Understand that during the catabolism of triglycerides, the fatty acids are released from the glycerol backbone through hydrolysis.
3. Recognize that each lauric acid (a 12-carbon fatty acid) undergoes beta-oxidation to produce acetyl-CoA molecules.
4. Calculate the number of acetyl-CoA molecules produced from one lauric acid by dividing the number of carbons in lauric acid by 2, since each acetyl-CoA contains 2 carbons.
5. Consider the glycerol backbone, which can be converted into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and then enter glycolysis, eventually leading to the production of additional acetyl-CoA.

Key Concepts

Glyceryl Trilaurate Catabolism

Glyceryl trilaurate is a triglyceride composed of glycerol and three lauric acid (C12) fatty acid chains. During catabolism, it undergoes hydrolysis to release glycerol and free fatty acids, which are then further broken down through beta-oxidation to produce acetyl-CoA. Understanding this process is crucial for determining the total acetyl-CoA yield from one molecule of glyceryl trilaurate.

Beta-Oxidation

Beta-oxidation is the metabolic process by which fatty acids are broken down in the mitochondria to generate acetyl-CoA. Each cycle of beta-oxidation shortens the fatty acid chain by two carbon atoms, producing one molecule of acetyl-CoA per cycle. For glyceryl trilaurate, the number of cycles depends on the total number of carbon atoms in the fatty acids released.

Acetyl-CoA Production

Acetyl-CoA is a central metabolite in energy production and biosynthesis, formed from the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In the context of fatty acid catabolism, each acetyl-CoA produced can enter the citric acid cycle for ATP generation. The total number of acetyl-CoA molecules produced from glyceryl trilaurate is essential for understanding its energy yield and metabolic fate.