If palmitic acid is labeled at carbon 2 with ¹³C, which carbon will be labeled in acetyl-CoA after $\beta$-oxidation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During beta-oxidation, the beta-carbon (Carbon 3) adjacent to the carboxyl group is oxidized and released as acetyl-CoA. Therefore, in palmitic acid, the methyl carbon at carbon 2 will be labeled with ¹³C. This label will not be transferred to the acetyl-CoA molecule released. Therefore, neither the carbonyl carbon nor both carbons will be labeled in acetyl-CoA after beta-oxidation.

If Palmitic Acid Is Labeled at Carbon 2 with 13C β\betaβ

If Palmitic Acid Is Labeled at Carbon 2 with ¹³C $\beta$