Oxidation of very long chain fatty acids

Oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (more than 18 carbons) takes place in peroxisomes. The first step is catalyzed by flavoprotein dehydrogenase, which transfers electrons to O₂ – H₂O₂ is formed :

1. FADH₂ from the first step is reoxidized not in the respiratory chain, but by reaction with O₂: FADH₂ + O₂ → FAD + H₂O₂
2. Peroxisomal catalase decomposes H₂O₂: 2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂

Oxidation ends with octanoyl-CoA, which is transported from peroxisomes bound to carnitine and goes to β-oxidation. The reactions described above do not lead to the formation ATP.

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Source

Fontana J., Trnka J., Maďa P., Ivák P. a kol.: Transformation of substances and energy in the cell. In: Functions of cells and the human body : Multimedia scripts. Available online from: [1]