The calculation for determining the rounds of beta oxidation for a fatty acid involves dividing the number of carbons in the fatty acid by 2 and then subtracting 1. This gives you the number of beta-oxidation rounds required to fully break down the fatty acid. Each round of beta-oxidation generates one molecule of NADH.
Here's a breakdown:
Calculating Rounds of Beta Oxidation
The number of beta-oxidation rounds can be calculated with the following formula, as shown in the provided reference:
- Rounds of Beta Oxidation = (Number of Carbons / 2) - 1
Example:
Let's say you have a 16-carbon fatty acid.
- Divide the number of carbons by 2: 16 / 2 = 8
- Subtract 1: 8 - 1 = 7
Therefore, a 16-carbon fatty acid undergoes 7 rounds of beta oxidation. According to the provided reference material, each round of beta-oxidation generates one molecule of NADH. Thus, 7 NADH molecules would be produced.
