Question

When a molecule of palmitic acid is metabolized through \(\beta\)-oxidation then it produces:

• A. Seven molecules of acetyl CoA
• B. Eight molecules of acetyl CoA
• C. Nine molecules of acetyl CoA
• D. Ten molecules of acetyl CoA

Hint:

Palmitic acid: C16:0.
\(\beta\)-Oxidation produces 8 acetyl CoA.
Also produces 7 FADH\(_2\) and 7 NADH.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
\(\beta\)-Oxidation breaks down fatty acids into acetyl CoA.
The number of acetyl CoA molecules depends on the chain length.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Number of acetyl CoA = Number of carbon atoms 2.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Palmitic acid (C16:0) has 16 carbon atoms.
Number of acetyl CoA molecules = 16 2 = 8.
Thus, one molecule of palmitic acid produces 8 acetyl CoA molecules.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Palmitic acid produces eight molecules of acetyl CoA.
Hence, the correct option is (B).