beta-oxidation

[bey-tuh-ok-si-dey-shuhn, bee-]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a process by which fatty acids are degraded, involving oxidation of the beta carbons and removal of successive two-carbon fragments from the fatty acid.

Word History and Origins

Origin of beta-oxidation¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

If calories are plentiful and there are no periods of starvation, beta-oxidation enzymes are weak and it becomes difficult to mobilize the fat.

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