Fatty acyl CoA cannot cross into the mitochondrial matrix until

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fatty acyl CoA cannot cross into the mitochondrial matrix directly because of the impermeable nature of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Instead, it must first bind with a charged carrier molecule called carnitine, forming fatty acyl carnitine which can then traverse the membrane via a specific transporter protein. Once inside the mitochondrial matrix, the fatty acid is transferred back onto CoA and subsequently undergoes β-oxidation.

Fatty Acyl CoA Cannot Cross into the Mitochondrial Matrix Until