Question

Explain why carbohydrate metabolism is necessary for fat metabolism (i.e. why do fat's burn in a carbohydrate flame?).

Answer 1

Carbohydrates helps in providing energy to our body through a process called cellular respiration. The glycolysis where carbohydrates are broken down and the Krebs cycle where the fatty acids and glucose are fully oxidised (burned). These two pathways produces energy in the body. Fatty acids from fat become broken down to form acetyl CoA, process known as beta oxidation. Then this acetyl CoA enters into Krebs cycle.

Under the conditions of starvations or fasting, Fats are used to providing energy to our body because there is low glucose fueled Krebs cycle is occurred. During this time carbohydrate metabolism and fat metabolism happen simultaneously. Then fat burns in an oxaloacetate flame. This is otherwise known as fat's burn in a carbohydrate flame. But since the body is unable to replenish the oxaloacetate from glucose, then for the energy production the internal metabolic conditions of our body favors ketone bodies formation.