Fat Metabolism in Higher Plants. VII. β-Oxidation of Fatty Acids by Peanut Mitochondria.

Abstract

Mitochondria prepared from cotyledons of germinating peanuts have the capacity to degrade short and long chain saturated fatty acids by [bata]-oxidation. The cofactor requirements are as follows: adenosine triphosphate, diphos-phopyridine nucleotide, coenzyme A, triphosphopyridine nucleotide, Mn, a tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutathione. Palmitic acid is extensively oxidized as evidenced from the release of C14O2 from palmitic acid labeled along the hydrocarbon chain. Tnere is evidence of acetoacetic acid accumulation.