What are the differences between fatty acid synthesis and beta-oxidation?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation
Fatty acid synthesis
Beta-oxidation

Definition 
Is the creation of fatty acids from the precursor molecule acetyl-CoA and NADPH molecules through a series of anabolic reactions by enzymes.
Is the process of breaking down fatty acid molecules into acetyl-CoA and NADH through a series of catabolic reactions by enzymes.

Type of reaction
Is an anabolic reaction 
Is a catabolic reaction

Enzymes involved
Is catalyzed by the enzyme fatty acid synthase, which is a multi-enzyme complex
Is catalyzed by different enzymes at different stages of the oxidation process

Occurrence
Occurs in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Occurs in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes and in mitochondria of eukaryotes

ATP Production
Does not produce ATP
Produces high-energy molecule ATP

Initiation of the process
Initiates with ACP (acyl group carrier)
 Initiates with coenzyme A (CoA)

Reductant used
Uses NADPH as the reductant
Uses NADH and FADH as the reductants.

Relationship with Energy 
Uses up energy  
Releases energy

Basis of differentiation	Fatty acid synthesis	Beta-oxidation
Definition	Is the creation of fatty acids from the precursor molecule acetyl-CoA and NADPH molecules through a series of anabolic reactions by enzymes.	Is the process of breaking down fatty acid molecules into acetyl-CoA and NADH through a series of catabolic reactions by enzymes.
Type of reaction	Is an anabolic reaction	Is a catabolic reaction
Enzymes involved	Is catalyzed by the enzyme fatty acid synthase, which is a multi-enzyme complex	Is catalyzed by different enzymes at different stages of the oxidation process
Occurrence	Occurs in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes	Occurs in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes and in mitochondria of eukaryotes
ATP Production	Does not produce ATP	Produces high-energy molecule ATP
Initiation of the process	Initiates with ACP (acyl group carrier)	Initiates with coenzyme A (CoA)
Reductant used	Uses NADPH as the reductant	Uses NADH and FADH as the reductants.
Relationship with Energy	Uses up energy	Releases energy

Related questions