Food Chemistry and Fish in Nutrition

4.2.2.2.Production of ATP

Production of ATP

Transport of electrons from FADH₂ and NADH (formed during β-oxidation) in the respiratory chain will lead to the synthesis of five high energy phosphates (ATP) for each of the first seven acetyl-CoA molecules formed by β-oxidation of palmitate. At the end, 8 molecules of acetyl CoA are formed.

No.of ATP derived from β-Oxidation                                 : 7x5   = 35  

No. of ATP formed on oxidation of 8 acetyl-CoA molecules

                                                         (via citric acid cycle) : 8x12 = 96

                                                                                                       ------

                                                                   Total               :           131

 ATP utilized for initial activation of the fatty acid              :              -2  

                                                                                                        ------

                                                         Net total yield  :            129        

Calorific value per mole of palmitic acid:          

The calorific value is 129x7.6=980 K.cal/mole. The calorific value per mole of combustion of palmitic acid is 2340 K.cal/mole. The process captures as high-energy phosphate in the order of 41% of the total energy of combustion of the fatty acid.