In: Biology
explain the metabolic reaction Ketogenesis. What's the input and where is it coming from, and secondly what is the outcome (output) of the reaction taking place? What is the significance of ketogenesis
Ketogenesis:
Most of the acetyl-CoA produced during fatty acid oxidation is used by the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle or Kreb’s cycle) or in the synthesis of fatty acids. under normal conditions, a very small amount of excess acetyl-CoA is produced. However in the liver mitochondria, when acetyl-CoA accumulates beyond its capacity to be oxidized or to be used in fatty acid synthesis, it leads to the synthesis of ketone bodies.
Ketogenesis is the pathway in which acetyl CoA is used to synthesize ketone bodies such as acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, etc.
Input- acetyl CoA
Where is it coming from- fatty acid oxidation
Output- ketone bodies
Where does it take place- mitochondria of liver cells.
Significance- some organs, e.g. heart and skeletal muscle can use ketone bodies as an energy source under normal conditions. During starvation, the brain uses ketone bodies as an important fuel source.