Fatty Acids: Anabolism and Catabolism on the MCAT

I. What is Fatty Acid: Anabolism and Catabolism?

Though the 2 terms up top look a little intimidating at first, they’re really just a fancy way of saying synthesis and breakdown! Just like with our metabolic processes, it may be helpful to study these 2 side by side, as studying one might give you a better understanding of the other!

Though, when it comes to MCAT prep, you might find carbohydrates on the top of the metabolic hierarchy, the metabolism of fatty acids is also important, especially when the body is in a need for energy when carbohydrates are low!

Again, similar to the other articles in this section, the content is relatively low yield compared to other MCAT content. As such, we’ll only focus on what’s really needed so as to minimize your study and prep while maximizing your efficiency!

II. Fatty Acid Synthesis and Breakdown

Let’s first start off with how fatty acids are synthesized before getting into their breakdown. Although a majority of our fatty acids come from our diet, you’ll see that other molecules can be used to synthesize fatty acids!

A. Anabolism of Fatty Acids: Nontemplate Synthesis

The synthesis of fatty acids, as well as carbohydrates, are termed nontemplate as they don’t require any template for their synthesis unlike proteins which have a template mRNA to go off of. 

I. Acetyl-CoA Transport 

In an excess of carbohydrate intake, the build up of acetyl-CoA can be utilized as a precursor to synthesize fatty acids, which takes place in the cytoplasm!

Because acetyl-CoA cannot directly enter the cytoplasm from the mitochondria, it first travels to the cytoplasm as citrate, where ATP citrate lyase breaks down citrate back down to acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate (which returns to the mitochondria).

II. Acetyl-CoA Activation and Palmitic Acid Synthesis

After transfer to the cytoplasm, acetyl-CoA is first activated to malonyl-CoA through the addition of a carboxyl group utilizing a carbon dioxide molecule via acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

Palmitic acid is an example of a non-essential fatty acid because it can be synthesized by the body while fatty acids such as omega-3/6s are essential fatty acids as the human body lacks the necessary enzymes for their synthesis. 

B. Catabolism of Fatty Acids: 𝞫-Oxidation

Conversely, fatty acids can be broken down in the mitochondria to be used as an energy! Each cycle of fatty acid breakdown releases 1 acetyl-CoA and also produces 1 FADH2 and 1 NADH in the process. 

I. Odd v.s. Even Carbon Fatty Acid Breakdown

An important concept to nail is the difference in the end products of odd v.s. even carbon numbered fatty acids.

In the case for even numbered carbon fatty acids, acetyl-CoA will ALWAYS be produced as their end product. 

In the case for odd numbered carbon fatty acids, BOTH acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA (3 carbon) will be produced!

III. Bridge/Overlap

One way to help understand why fatty acid synthesis occurs is to understand the conditions the cell is in after sufficient carbohydrate intake as mentioned above!

I. Rationale Behind Fatty Acid Synthesis 

After sufficient carbohydrate intake, most of the carbohydrates will enter into glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP for the cell. 

However, as the cell becomes energetically satisfied, the citric acid cycle is inhibited as it doesn’t need to produce any more ATP. 

IV. Wrap Up/Key Terms

Let’s take this time to wrap up & concisely summarize what we covered above in the article!

A. Anabolism of Fatty Acids: Nontemplate Synthesis

As opposed to other molecules like proteins which require a mRNA template for synthesis, fatty acids and carbohydrates can undergo synthesis without the need for a template. 

I. Acetyl-CoA Transport

The build of acetyl-CoA after an excess carbohydrate intake can be utilized to synthesize fatty acids taking place in the cytoplasm.

Because acetyl-CoA can’t directly cross into the cytoplasm, it must do so first in the form of citrate.

II. Acetyl-CoA Activation and Palmitic Acid Synthesis

In order to synthesize palmitic acid, acetyl-CoA is activated via a carboxylate addition through acetyl-CoA carboxylase generating malonyl-CoA.

B. Catabolism of Fatty Acids: 𝞫-Oxidation

Conversely, in times where the cell is in need of energy, fatty acid can be broken down, with each cycle generating 1 acetyl-CoA and 1 FADH2 and 1 NADH.

I. Odd v.s. Even Number Carbon Fatty Acid Breakdown

A key point of difference between odd v.s. even number carbon fatty acid breakdown is their end product. 

Even number carbon fatty acids ALWAYS have acetyl-CoA as their end product because a 4 carbon fatty acid is broken down in the final step into 2 acetyl-CoAs.

Odd number carbon fatty acids produce BOTH acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA as their end product because a 5 carbon fatty acid is broken down in the final step into 1 acetyl-CoA and 1 propionyl-CoA.

V. Practice

Take a look at these practice questions to see and solidify your understanding!

Sample Practice Question 1

Given the fatty acid below, how many cycles will it take before the molecule is completely broken down into only acetyl-CoAs? In addition, how many acetyl-CoAs are generated?

A. 2 cycles, 2 acetyl-CoAs
B. 2 cycles, 3 acetyl-CoAs
C. 3 cycles, 2 acetyl-CoAs
D. 3 cycles, 3 acetyl-CoAs

Sample Practice Question 2

The cofactor that’s required for fatty acid synthesis is generated in which biological process?

A. Aerobic Glycolysis
B. Anaerobic Glycolysis
C. Citric Acid Cycle
D. Pentose Phosphate Pathway