Fatty acids are transported into mitochondria bound to

Options

A. Thiokinase
B. Coenzyme A
C. Acetyl CoA
D. Carnitin.

Answer

To answer the question "Fatty acids are transported into mitochondria bound to," we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understanding Fatty Acid Activation
Fatty acids must first be activated before they can be transported into the mitochondria. This activation involves the conversion of fatty acids into acyl-CoA (acyl coenzyme A) through the action of the enzyme thiokinase.

### Step 2: The Role of Acyl-CoA
Once activated, fatty acids form acyl-CoA. However, acyl-CoA cannot directly cross the inner mitochondrial membrane due to its size and polarity.

### Step 3: The Need for a Transport Mechanism
To facilitate the transport of long-chain acyl-CoA into the mitochondria, a special transport mechanism is required. This is where carnitine comes into play.

### Step 4: Conjugation with Carnitine
Long-chain acyl-CoA molecules are conjugated to carnitine, forming acyl-carnitine. This conjugation allows the fatty acids to be transported across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

### Step 5: Transport into Mitochondria
Once the acyl-carnitine is formed, it can be transported into the mitochondria. Inside the mitochondria, the acyl group is released from carnitine and can then enter the beta-oxidation pathway for energy production.

### Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer to the question is that fatty acids are transported into mitochondria bound to **carnitine**.

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