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Counting ATPs \(1 .\) What is the ATP yield for the complete oxidation of \(\mathrm{C}_{17}\) (heptadecanoic) fatty acid? Assume that the propionyl CoA ultimately yields oxaloacetate in the citric acid cycle.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The ATP yield is approximately 118 ATP.

Step by step solution

01

Determine Number of Beta-Oxidation Cycles

A heptadecanoic acid has 17 carbon atoms. Each beta-oxidation cycle shortens the fatty acid by 2 carbon atoms, producing 1 acetyl-CoA. For a 17 carbon fatty acid, complete oxidation requires \[ n = \frac{17-1}{2} = 8 \text{ cycles} \]This yields 8 acetyl-CoA molecules and leaves one propionyl-CoA (from the remaining 3-carbon fragment).
02

Calculate ATP from Beta-Oxidation

Each beta-oxidation cycle directly results in the formation of 1 FADHâ‚‚ and 1 NADH, which can produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. Hence, \[ 8 \text{ cycles} \rightarrow 8 \times (1 \text{ FADH}_2 + 1 \text{ NADH}) \rightarrow 8 \times (1.5 + 2.5) \text{ ATP} = 32 \text{ ATP} \]
03

Calculate ATP from Acetyl-CoA in Citric Acid Cycle

Each acetyl-CoA generated enters the citric acid cycle to produce 3 NADH, 1 FADHâ‚‚, and 1 GTP (ATP equivalent). Thus: \[ 8 \times (3 \times 2.5 + 1.5 + 1) = 8 \times 10 = 80 \text{ ATP} \]
04

Consider Propionyl-CoA Conversion

The 3-carbon propionyl-CoA converts to succinyl-CoA and eventually produces oxaloacetate, which enters the citric acid cycle, effectively yielding 1 ATP (or GTP), 1 FADHâ‚‚, and 3 NADH:\[ 1 \times (3 \times 2.5 + 1.5 + 1) = 5 + 1.5 + 1 = 7.5 \text{ ATP} \]
05

Subtract ATP Consumed

Activation of the fatty acid for initial beta-oxidation consumes 2 ATPs. Subtract this to account for the energy investment:\[ 80 \text{ (acetyl-CoA) } + 32 \text{ (beta-oxidation) } + 7.5 \text{ (propionyl-CoA) } - 2 \text{ (activation) } = 117.5 \text{ ATP} \]
06

Round to Nearest Whole Number

Since ATP yield is usually given in whole numbers, the final total is:\[ \boxed{118} \text{ ATP} \]

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Beta-Oxidation
In the intricate dance of cellular metabolism, beta-oxidation plays a crucial role in breaking down fatty acids to generate energy. This multi-step pathway occurs in the mitochondria and involves a series of biochemical reactions that sequentially remove two carbon atoms from the fatty acid chain.
For every cycle of beta-oxidation, two important molecules are generated: FADHâ‚‚ and NADH. These molecules are essential contributors to the body's energy currency because they eventually lead to the production of ATP in the electron transport chain.
  • One cycle of beta-oxidation results in the shortening of the fatty acid chain by two carbons.
  • Each cycle yields one molecule of acetyl-CoA.
  • The process continues until the entire fatty acid has been transformed into acetyl-CoA units.
Acetyl-CoA
Acetyl-CoA is a vital molecule that serves as a central hub in metabolic pathways. It is the end product of beta-oxidation and a key player in the citric acid cycle.
Each acetyl-CoA derived from beta-oxidation subsequently enters the citric acid cycle, where it drives further energy production.
This molecule acts as a bridge between different metabolic processes and is essential for the complete oxidation of fatty acids.
  • Each acetyl-CoA molecule yields significant amounts of ATP, FADHâ‚‚, and NADH.
  • It is a foundational building block for both energy production and biosynthetic pathways.
By connecting various metabolic roads, acetyl-CoA helps in efficiently harnessing energy from our food.
Citric Acid Cycle
The citric acid cycle, often referred to as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, is a central powerhouse for cellular energy production. This cycle occurs in the mitochondria and is instrumental in oxidizing acetyl-CoA to produce ATP, NADH, and FADHâ‚‚.
  • Each turn of the cycle processes one acetyl-CoA and yields energy-rich molecules.
  • In the cycle, three NADH and one FADHâ‚‚ are generated, leading to substantial ATP production upon subsequent entry into the electron transport chain.
This cycle not only contributes to ATP synthesis but is also crucial for carbon skeleton interconversion, providing key intermediates for other biosynthetic pathways.
Oxaloacetate
Oxaloacetate stands as a pivotal compound in the citric acid cycle, functioning as a critical starting and ending point for the cycle.
It combines with acetyl-CoA to form citrate, which begins the citric acid cycle, and is regenerated with every cycle turn.
This regeneration is essential for continuous energy production from acetyl-CoA molecules.
  • Oxaloacetate ensures steady flow through the cycle by maintaining the balance of intermediates.
  • It also plays an important role in gluconeogenesis, highlighting its versatility.
Without oxaloacetate, the citric acid cycle would come to a halt, demonstrating its indispensable role.
Propionyl-CoA
Unlike most fatty acids that yield acetyl-CoA, odd-chain fatty acids like heptadecanoic acid generate propionyl-CoA after the final beta-oxidation cycle.
Propionyl-CoA deserves special mention due to its unique metabolic fate.
It is converted into succinyl-CoA, which can then enter the citric acid cycle as an intermediate.
  • This conversion allows the body to extract additional energy from odd-chain fatty acids.
  • Propionyl-CoA's transformation into succinyl-CoA emphasizes the body's adaptability in energy extraction even from less common sources.
This versatility further exemplifies the adaptability and efficiency of metabolic pathways in cellular energy production.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Like Simon and Garfunkel. Match each term with its description. (a) Triacylglycerol_________ (b) Perilipin_________ (c) Adipose triglyceride lipase_________ (d) Glucagon_________ (e) Acyl CoA synthetase_________ (f) Carnitine_________ (g) \(\beta\) -Oxidation pathway_________ (h) Enoyl CoA isomerase_________ (i) 2,4 -Dienoyl \(\operatorname{CoA}\) reductase_________ (j) Methylmalonyl CoA mutase_________ (k) Ketone body_________ 1\. The enzyme that initiates lipid degradation 2\. Activates fatty acids for degradation 3\. Converts a cis- \(\Delta^{3}\) double bond into a trans- \(\Delta^{2}\) double bond 4\. Reduces \(2,4-\) dienoyl intermediate to trans- \(\Delta^{3}\) -enoyl CoA 5\. Storage form of fats 6\. Required for entry into mitochondria 7\. Requires vitamin \(\mathrm{B}_{12}\) 8\. Acetoacetate 9\. Means by which fatty acids are degraded 10\. Stimulates lipolysis 11\. Lipid-droplet-associated protein

An accurate adage. An old biochemistry adage is that fats burn in the flame of carbohydrates. What is the molecular basis of this adage?

Proper sequence. Place the following list of reactions or relevant locations in the \(\beta\) oxidation of fatty acids in the proper order. (a) Reaction with carnitine (b) Fatty acid in the cytoplasm (c) Activation of fatty acid by joining to CoA (d) Hydration (e) NAD \(^{+}\) -linked oxidation (f) Thiolysis (g) Acyl CoA in mitochondrion (h) FAD-linked oxidation

Ill-advised diet. Suppose that, for some bizarre reason, you decided to exist on a diet of whale and seal blubber, exclusively. (a) How would a lack of carbohydrates affect your ability to utilize fats? (b) What would your breath smell like? (c) One of your best friends, after trying unsuccessfully to convince you to abandon this diet, makes you promise to consume a healthy dose of odd-chain fatty acids. Does your friend have your best interests at heart? Explain.

Comparing yields. Compare the ATP yields from palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid.

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