Beta Oxidation

Beta Oxidation

Beta-oxidation is the process by which fatty acids, in the form of acyl-CoA molecules, are broken down in mitochondria and/or peroxisomes to generate acetyl-CoA, the entry molecule for the citric acid cycle.

The beta oxidation of fatty acids involve three stages:

1. Activation of fatty acids in the cytosol
2. Transport of activated fatty acids into mitochondria (carnitine shuttle)
3. Beta oxidation proper in the mitochondrial matrix

Fatty acids are oxidized by most of the tissues in the body. However, some tissues such as the adrenal medulla do not use fatty acids for their energy requirements and instead use carbohydrates.