Question

In a human cell, \( \beta \)-oxidation of a saturated fatty acyl CoA molecule produced 8 acetyl CoA, 7 H₂O and 28 ATP. The oxidised fatty acyl CoA is

• A. octanoyl CoA
• B. oleoyl CoA
• C. palmitoyl CoA
• D. stearoyl CoA

Hint:

For \( \beta \)-oxidation, the number of acetyl CoA molecules produced is half the number of carbons in the fatty acid, and the total ATP produced depends on the number of cycles.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding \( \beta \)-oxidation.
\( \beta \)-oxidation breaks down fatty acids into acetyl CoA molecules, and the number of cycles corresponds to the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid. Each cycle produces 1 acetyl CoA, 1 NADH, 1 FADH₂, and consumes 1 H₂O.
Step 2: Analyzing the number of products.
The breakdown of a fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms (palmitoyl CoA) would produce 8 acetyl CoA molecules. The fact that 7 H₂O molecules and 28 ATP are produced indicates that the fatty acid had 16 carbon atoms, making it palmitoyl CoA.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (C) palmitoyl CoA.