Question

PROBLEM 29-2Write the equations for the remaining passages of the oxidation pathway following those shown in Figure 29-4.

Short answer

Theequations for the remaining passages of the oxidation pathwayis given as follows,

$\text{CapryloylcoA}\to \text{Hexanoyl coA}\to \text{Butyryl coA}\to \text{2 Acetyl coA}$

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to the Concept

The $\mathit{\beta }\mathbf{-}$oxidation route catabolizes myristic acid, causing the carbon chain to degrade in stages. The following is the order of events:

Solution Explanation

The14-carbon myristoyl COA is converted to the 12-carbon lauroyl COA plus acetyl COA in passage 1, the 10-carbon caproyl COA plus acetyl COA in passage 2, the caproyl COA to the 8-carbon caproyl COA in passage 3, and so on. Because the precursor comprises four carbons, the final passage yields two molecules of acetyl COA.

After six passages, the $\mathit{\beta }\mathbf{-}$ oxidationprocess catabolizes the 14-carbon myristic acid, yielding seven molecules of acetyl COA.