Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Bioenergetics and Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism
Oxidation and Biosynthesis of Fatty Acids
Biomedical Importance

The compartmentalization of Fatty acid oxidation and Biosynthesis allows for the precise regulation of each pathway in response to the metabolic needs of the tissue. During fasting and Diabetes Mellitus, fatty acid oxidation is upregulated, leading to hepatic ketone body production (Ketosis). Because Ketone Bodies are acidic, their sustained overproduction—such as in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus—results in ketoacidosis, which can ultimately be fatal. Since Gluconeogenesis relies on fatty acid oxidation, any impairment in the latter leads to hypoglycemia. This condition occurs, for example, in carnitine deficiency, diminished activity of Enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation (such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase), or upon inhibition by toxins like hypoglycin. The primary Physiological Role of FATTY ACID BIOSYNTHESIS is to convert excess dietary CARBOHYDRATES and store their energy either for short-term use (between meals) or for long-term reserves. Fatty acids are stored in adipose tissue primarily as triacylglycerols.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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