In: Anatomy and Physiology
Connect the pathways of β–oxidation and ketogenesis. Why is one dependent on the other
The process of synthesis of fat from the glucose is known as “lipogenesis.” Body can store only limited amount of glycogen, so the excess glucose is converted into fat by lipogenesis. The fat is stored in the adipose tissue.
Beta-oxidation is a metabolic process of lipids, which occurs in the mitochondria and produces energy. Lipogenesis and beta-oxidation occurs in the hepatocytes (of liver).
The process of breakdown of lipids to produce energy is called, lipolysis. Lipolysis occurs in the adipose tissue cells.
Beta hydroybutyrate is a metabolic by product of lipid catabolism (produced by beta oxidation), which is again converted into acetoacetate and acetone. Production of these ketone bodies occurs when the blood glucose levels are low, and this process is called, “ketogenesis.” Ketognesis occurs in hepatocytes. A condition characterized by increased levels of ketone bodies is called, “ketosis.”