Fatty acid oxidation

When a fat molecule is broken down, it is turned into acyl-CoA. The acyl-CoA is transported into the mitochondria and goes through beta-oxidation. The result of this process is acetyl-CoA, which can enter into the citric acid cycle (CAC). The acetyl-CoA is reduced and reduced electron carriers, ATP, and carbon dioxide are produed. The reduced electron carriers are used in oxidative phosporylation. They are passed down protiens builit into the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process creates a proton gradient in the inner membrane space. The protons flow through a protein, ATPsynthase, which produces ATP.