About this episode
In this lesson, we examine the beta-oxidation in its simplest form: the breakdown of a long-chain, saturated fatty acid. We see once again the principle that the oxygen content of a molecule determines how much water its metabolism consumes and how much carbon dioxide its metabolism releases. In beta-oxidation, we consume one water per round and release no carbon dioxide. This reflects the fact that fatty acids are not hydrates of carbons like sugars are, which is where the name carbo hydrate comes from. For the full episode, go to chrismasterjohnphd.com/mwm/2/20 Sign up for MWM Pro for early access to content, enhanced keyword searching, self-pacing tools, downloadable audio and transcripts, a rich array of hyperlinked further reading suggestions, and a community with a forum for each lesson. Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome .