Question

FATTY ACID METABOLISM.

1. Calculate the number of ATP's generated by the complete metabolic oxidation of tripalmitin (tripalmitoylglycerol). Hydrolysis of the triaglycerol occurs at the cell surface. Consider the energy yield from catabolism of glycerol, as well as from the fatty acids. Calculate ATP yield per carbon often oxidized, and compare it with the energy yield from glucose.

Answer 1

412 ATP's will be generated from the complete metabolic oxidation of tripalmitin (tripalmitoylglycerol)

130 ATP from the oxidation of palmitate
22 ATP from the oxidation of glycerol

Altogether 130 + 22 = 412 ATP will be produced.

Here in case of tripalmitin (tripalmitoylglycerol), we have 51 carbons.

When 51 carbons can produce 412 ATPs
Then 1 carbon will produce how many ATPs = 412 ATPs/ 51 carbon= 8.1 ATPs.

This shows that ATP yield per carbon often oxidized will be 8.1 ATPs

Now we will see the ATP yield in the case of glucose.

Glucose is made up of 6 carbon and complete oxidation of glucose will produce 38 ATPs
When 6 carbons can yield 38 ATPs
Then 1 carbon can yield how many ATPs= 38 ATPs/ 6 carbons= 6.33 ATPs.

So, ATP yield per carbon in case of glucose will be 6.33 ATPs