What are the Most Important Steps of oxidation in Peroxisomes?

The Biochemistry Online – Free Online Lectures for Medical, Dental and Allied Health Sciences students by the Biochemistry Club.

Oxidation of Fatty acids in Peroxisomes

Very Long Chain Fatty acids (VLCFAs) of more than 22-C undergo a preliminary β-oxidation in peroxisomes – the primary site of the synthetase that activates fatty acids of this length.

The shortened fatty acid (16-18-C) diffuses into the mitochondrion for further oxidation linked to carnitine.

In contrast to mitochondrial β-oxidation, the initial dehydrogenation in peroxisomes is catalyzed by a FAD-containing acyl CoA oxidase.

The FADH₂ produced is oxidized by molecular oxygen, which is reduced to H₂O₂.

Therefore, no ATP is generated by this step.

The H₂O₂ is reduced to H₂O by catalase.

Genetic defects in the ability either to target matrix proteins to peroxisomes (Zellweger syndrome, a peroxisomal biogenesis disorder) or to transport VLCFAs across the peroxisomal membrane (X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy), lead to accumulation of VLCFAs in the blood and tissues.

All these lectures are organized and listed in detail in their proper sections. To view these lessons please visit the Metabolism of Lipids Section in Biochemistry II. This can be approached by directly clicking the Biochemistry II button or it can also be approached from the drop down menu in Biochemistry II tab. Once you reach the section click the curriculum tab to view the full list in the section.
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