Question

How many molecules of NADH and FADH₂ are obtained from the $\beta$-oxidation of one molecule of a 16-carbon saturated fatty acyl-CoA?

Short answer

Seven molecules of NADH and seven molecules of FADH₂ are formed.

Step-by-step solution

Cleavage of fatty acetyl-CoA

The 16-carbon fatty acyl-CoA forms eight molecules of acetyl-CoA by the seven cleavages.

Cleavage of acetyl-CoA

The acetyl-CoA is cleaved into one molecule of NADH and one molecule of Since there are seven cleavages, takes the place of acetyl-CoA. Therefore, seven molecules of NADH and seven molecules of FADH₂ are formed.