Carnitine (β-hydroxy trimethylammonium butyrate) is widely distributed and is abundant in muscle. It is synthesised from lysine and methionine in liver and kidney.

β-OXIDATION

In beta oxidation, two carbon atoms are cleaved at the time from acyl-CoA molecules, starting at the carboxyl end. So the chain is broken between α(2) and β(3) carbon atoms. Hence, the name β-oxidation.

Overall equation: Oxidation of palmityl-CoA

Palmitoyl-CoA + 7CoASH + 7FAD + 7NAD⁺ + 7H₂O

8 Acetyl-CoA + 7 FADH₂ + 7 NADH + H⁺

Palmityl-CoA undergoes seven cycles of β-oxidation to yield 8 acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA can enter citric acid cycle and get completely oxidised to CO₂ and H₂O.