Question

Fatty acids are broken down to

• A. Pyruvate molecules, which take electrons to the electron transport system
• B. Amino acids, which excrete ammonia
• C. Acetyl groups, which enter the Krebs cycle
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Acetyl groups, which enter the Krebs cycle

• During the time of starvation or in the fasting state when then the level of glucose in the blood is less the whole metabolism process gives priority to see that the brain and the other important organs are providedwith glucose.
• While other organs use other material such as fatty acid and protein for the synthesis of energy by the kerb cycle.
• Fatty acid is the main component that is used in the energy synthesis after carbohydrates as it can be easily stored whereas protein can be used for the energy synthesis but that cannot be stored in the body.
• The fatty acid also cannot direct enter the kerb cycle therefore they are to be broken down to acetyl CoA which is done by the process of beta oxidation.
• Long chain of fatty acid are broken down to the 2 carbon molecule of Acetyl CoA for example Palmitoyl acid is converted to 8 molecules of Acetyl CoA after beta oxidation.
• After bein converted it can enter the kerb cycle.
• Therefore the answer option C is correct.