Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Beta-Oxidation
Beta-oxidation is the metabolic process by which fatty acids are broken down in the mitochondria to generate acetyl-CoA. Each cycle of beta-oxidation shortens the fatty acid chain by two carbon atoms, producing one molecule of acetyl-CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle for further energy extraction.
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Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)
The citric acid cycle is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA. Each turn of the cycle produces ATP, NADH, and FADH2, which are crucial for the electron transport chain, ultimately leading to the production of additional ATP.
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Oxidative Phosphorylation
Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It involves the transfer of electrons through the electron transport chain, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase. This process is responsible for producing the majority of ATP during the complete oxidation of fatty acids.
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