Oxidation of fatty acids with an odd number of carbons

In addition to AcCoA, propionyl-CoA is also formed by oxidation of odd-chain fatty acids. This is first carboxylated to methylmalonyl-CoA', which is converted to succinyl-CoA - an intermediate of the Krebs cycle'. Through conversion to oxaloacetate, it can participate in gluconeogenesis - glucose can be synthesized from these fatty acids. However, very few fatty acids with an odd number of carbon atoms are found in the body.

Related Articles

 * Oxidation of very long chain fatty acids
 * Oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids
 * Regulation of beta-oxidation of fatty acids
 * Lipid breakdown and ketone body metabolism

Source
Fontana J., Trnka J., Maďa P., Ivák P. et al.: Transformation of substances and energy in the cell. In: Functions of cells and the human body : Multimedia scripts. Available online from: