How many cycles of β -oxidation are required to convert stearic acid (18 carbons) to 9 acetyl-CoAs?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stearic acid, which has 18 carbons, undergoes β-oxidation to produce acetyl-CoA units. Each cycle of β-oxidation shortens the fatty acid by 2 carbons, producing one acetyl-CoA. To fully convert stearic acid into acetyl-CoA units, 8 cycles are needed, resulting in 9 acetyl-CoA molecules (since the last cycle splits the remaining 4-carbon unit into two 2-carbon acetyl-CoA units).

How Many Cycles of β -Oxidation Are Required to Convert