fatty acid catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of a fatty acid, any of the aliphatic monocarboxylic acids that can be liberated by hydrolysis from naturally occurring fats and oils. Fatty acids are predominantly straight-chain acids of 4 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be saturated or unsaturated; branched fatty acids and hydroxy fatty acids also occur, and very long chain acids of over 30 carbons are found in waxes. [GOC:go_curators]

Fatty acid catabolic process is a fundamental metabolic pathway that breaks down fatty acids into smaller units, primarily acetyl-CoA, to generate energy. This process occurs in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, and involves a series of enzymatic reactions. The breakdown of fatty acids is crucial for energy production when glucose levels are low, such as during prolonged fasting or strenuous exercise. The process starts with the activation of fatty acids in the cytoplasm, where they are attached to coenzyme A (CoA) to form fatty acyl-CoA. This activated fatty acyl-CoA then translocates to the mitochondrial matrix, where it undergoes beta-oxidation. Beta-oxidation is a cyclic process that involves four key steps: 1. Oxidation: The fatty acyl-CoA is oxidized by an enzyme called acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, which removes two hydrogen atoms from the alpha and beta carbons of the fatty acyl chain. 2. Hydration: The double bond formed in the previous step is hydrated by an enzyme called enoyl-CoA hydratase, adding a water molecule across the double bond. 3. Oxidation: The hydroxyl group on the beta carbon is oxidized to a keto group by an enzyme called hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, generating NADH. 4. Cleavage: The beta-ketoacyl-CoA is cleaved by an enzyme called thiolase, releasing acetyl-CoA and a shortened fatty acyl-CoA, which then enters another round of beta-oxidation. Each cycle of beta-oxidation generates one acetyl-CoA, one NADH, and one FADH2. Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle to produce more ATP, while NADH and FADH2 contribute to the electron transport chain for further ATP generation. The fatty acid catabolic process is tightly regulated by the body's energy needs and hormonal signals. The process is upregulated during periods of fasting, exercise, and low glucose availability, ensuring that the body has sufficient energy to function. In contrast, the process is downregulated when glucose levels are high, as the body prioritizes the utilization of glucose as its primary energy source.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (273)