Understanding Cholesterol: Functions And Importance In The Body

Understanding Cholesterol: Functions And Importance In The Body

Write in brief on the β-oxidation of palmitic acid. Name the other types of fatty acid oxidation. Add a note on the functions of cholesterol. (or) Cholesterol (or) Functions of cholesterol.
Answer:

β-Oxidation:

Types of fatty acid oxidation:

1. β-oxidation of fatty acids in peroxisomes.

• Occurs in eukaryotic cells.
• In it, acyl CoA dehydrogenase leads to the formation of FADH₂.
• 9 The reducing equivalent from FADH₂ reacts with O₂.
• Results in the formation of H₂O₂
• .This H₂O₂ is cleared by the catalase enzyme.
• Acyl CoA dehydrogenase \(\stackrel{\text { Leads to }}{\longrightarrow} \mathrm{FADH}_2\)
• Reducing equivalent FADH₂ + O₂→
  Reducing equivalent FAD + H₂O₂
• \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2 \stackrel{\text { Catalase }}{\longrightarrow} \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}+\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{O}_2\)
• No energy is produced in this process but heat is liberated.

2. α-oxidation of fatty acids.

• Involves the removal of one carbon unit at a time.
• No binding of fatty acid occurs
• No energy is produced.

3. ω-oxidation of fatty acids.

• It involves hydroxylation followed by oxidation of o-carbon present as a methyl group.
• It requires cytochrome P₄₅₀ NADPH, O₂, and enzymes.

Functions of Cholesterol:

• It is a structural component of the cell membrane.
• Precursor for the synthesis of all other steroids in the body like vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones.
• An essential ingredient in the structure of lipoproteins.
• Fatty acids are transported to the liver as cholesteryl esters for oxidation.