In: Biology
While the chemistry of fatty acid synthesis and breakdown are similar, there are some important differences in the two pathways. Why is NADPH vs. NADH used for fatty acid biosynthesis, why is NADH vs. NADPH generated during fatty acid breakdown? (Don’t overthink this, the two co-enzymes have similar redox properties). Why are the -oxidation reactions found in the mitochondria whereas the fatty acid synthase reactions take place in the cytosol? Why is carboxylation of Acetyl CoA necessary for fatty acidbiosynthesis?
Answer:
This is because NADPH is the reductant in fatty acid synthesis and NAD+ is the oxidant in the fatty acid degradation
During fatty acid synthesis, the acetyl coA converts to triglycerides for stoarge of fat. These triglycerides are packaged within cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Also, the acetyl coA required for fatty acid synthesis is derived from glycolysis pathway that occurs in cytoplasm. Hence fatty acid synthase reactions take place in the cytosol.
Beta-oxidation is facilitated by the trifunctional protein present in mitochondria. This enzyme complex is associated with the inner membrane of mitochondria. Therefore, oxidation reactions are found in mitochondria.
Carboxylation of acetyl CoA forms a 2 carbon compound malonyl CoA in the presence of acetyl CoA carboxylase and ATP. Malonyl CoA converts to Malonyl-ACP which acts as a precursor to fatty acid synthesis. Thus, carboxylation of Acetyl CoA is necessary for fatty acid biosynthesis