Question

Since β-oxidation occurs in the mitochondria, a specialized carrier is required to transport the acyl group from the cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix. This carrier is 1.____, and the transport process is called the 2.____?

Answer 1

The specialized carrier used to transport the acyl group during β-oxidation is carnitine, and the transport process is called the carnitine shuttle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specialized carrier required for transporting the acyl group from the cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix during β-oxidation is carnitine, and the transport process is known as the carnitine shuttle. In the cytosol, fatty acids are converted into fatty acyl CoA molecules, which cannot cross the mitochondrial membrane by diffusion. These fatty acyl CoA molecules combine with carnitine, creating a fatty acyl carnitine molecule that is transported across the mitochondrial membrane into the matrix. Once inside, fatty acyl carnitine is converted back into fatty acyl CoA, which then undergoes further oxidation in the mitochondrial matrix.