The Carnitine Shuttle | Cytosol-Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Transport

The video explains the carnitine shuttle, a process that transports acetyl CoA from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial matrix for beta oxidation. It details the conversion of fatty acids to acetyl CoA, the role of coenzyme A, and the transport across mitochondrial membranes using carnitine. The process involves enzymes like CPT1 and CPT2, which facilitate the conversion and transport of acylcarnitine, ultimately allowing beta oxidation to occur in the mitochondria.

What is the primary purpose of the carnitine shuttle in cellular metabolism?

• To convert ATP to ADP

• To synthesize fatty acids

• To move acetyl CoA from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial matrix

• To transport glucose into the mitochondria

Why is coenzyme A attached to fatty acids in the cytoplasm?

• To increase their size

• To make them more hydrophobic

• To change their color

• To make them more water-soluble

What is the role of carnitine acyltransferase 1 in the carnitine shuttle?

• It breaks down fatty acids

• It substitutes coenzyme A with carnitine

• It converts acetyl CoA to glucose

• It synthesizes ATP

How does acylcarnitine cross the outer mitochondrial membrane?

• Through active transport

• Via simple diffusion

• Through osmosis

• By facilitated diffusion

What is the function of acylcarnitine translocase in the carnitine shuttle?

• It converts acylcarnitine to glucose

• It breaks down proteins

• It moves acylcarnitine into the mitochondrial matrix

• It synthesizes fatty acids

What happens to acylcarnitine once it is inside the mitochondrial matrix?

• It is converted back to acetyl CoA

• It is used to synthesize glucose

• It is broken down into amino acids

• It is stored as fat

Why is the carnitine shuttle considered an indirect method of transporting acetyl CoA?

• Because it uses ATP to transport acetyl CoA

• Because it involves swapping functional groups with carnitine

• Because it does not involve any enzymes

• Because it directly moves acetyl CoA through the membranes