The number of ATP molecules produced from a 16 carbon fatty acid is _______________.

The metabolism of fatty acids occur by α and β-oxidation.

The ATP yield for every oxidation cycle is theoretically at maximum yield 17, as NADH produces 3 ATP, FADH2 produces 2 and a full rotation of the Citric Acid Cycle produces 12. In practice it is closer to 14 ATP for a full oxidation cycle as in practice the theoretical yield isn't attained, it's generally closer to 2.5 ATP per NADH molecule produced, 1.5 for each FADH2 Molecule produced and this equals to 10 per cycle of the TCA (according to the P/O ratio)Source ATP Total1 FADH2x 1.5 ATP = 1.5 ATP (Theoretically 2 ATP)1 NADHx 2.5 ATP = 2.5 ATP (Theoretically 3 ATP)1 acetyl CoAx 10 ATP = 10 ATP (Theoretically 12 ATP)TOTAL = 14 ATPFor a 16-carbon fatty acid, the number of ATPs generated:Source ATP Total7 FADH2 x 1.5 ATP = 10.5 ATP7 NADH x 2.5 ATP = 17.5 ATP8 acetyl CoA x 10 ATP = 80 ATP. Activation = -2 ATPNET = 106 ATPIn the first step of β-oxidation, the acyl CoA produced from a 16-C saturated fatty acid is transferred to mitochondria by carnitine carriers at the cost of 2 ATPs. So the net energy yield is 106 ATPs at the end of one complete β-oxidation of a 16-C fatty acid.