The processing of one molecule of stearic acid (18 carbons) by β -oxidation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The processing of one molecule of stearic acid (which has 18 carbons) through β-oxidation requires 8 cycles of β-oxidation to break down the fatty acid chain, and it produces 9 molecules of acetyl-CoA. Each cycle of β-oxidation shortens the fatty acid by two carbon atoms, resulting in acetyl-CoA. The final cycle splits the remaining 4-carbon piece into two molecules of acetyl-CoA, hence producing a total of 9 acetyl-CoA molecules.

The Processing of One Molecule of Stearic Acid (18 Carbons)