Question

How many molecules of NADH are formed from the $\mathbf{\beta }$-oxidation of one molecule of palmitic acid?

Short answer

Seven molecules of palmitic acid are formed from one molecule of palmitic acid.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Palmitic acid

The molecular formula for the palmitic acid is ${\mathbf{C}}_{16}{\mathbf{H}}_{32}{\mathbf{O}}_2$. It is a saturated fatty acid generally found in the human body. It can also be provided by diet or carbohydrates and amino acids.

Palmitic acid is used in the preparation of soaps and cosmetics.

β-oxidation of one molecule of palmitic acid

One mole of NADH will be formed from each of the following rounds of -oxidation. The reaction is carried out as follows;

Beta-oxidation of palmitic acid

As there are a total of seven rounds therefore seven molecules of NADH are formed from beta-oxidation of one molecule of palmitic acid.