• NEET
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • JEE
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • Class 6-10
      • Class 6th
      • Class 7th
      • Class 8th
      • Class 9th
      • Class 10th
    • View All Options
      • Online Courses
      • Offline Courses
      • Distance Learning
      • Hindi Medium Courses
      • International Olympiad
    • NEET
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • JEE (Main+Advanced)
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • JEE Main
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
  • NEW
    • JEE MAIN 2025
    • NEET
      • 2024
      • 2023
      • 2022
    • Class 6-10
    • JEE Main
      • Previous Year Papers
      • Sample Papers
      • Result
      • Analysis
      • Syllabus
      • Exam Date
    • JEE Advanced
      • Previous Year Papers
      • Sample Papers
      • Mock Test
      • Result
      • Analysis
      • Syllabus
      • Exam Date
    • NEET
      • Previous Year Papers
      • Sample Papers
      • Mock Test
      • Result
      • Analysis
      • Syllabus
      • Exam Date
    • NCERT Solutions
      • Class 6
      • Class 7
      • Class 8
      • Class 9
      • Class 10
      • Class 11
      • Class 12
    • CBSE
      • Notes
      • Sample Papers
      • Question Papers
    • Olympiad
      • NSO
      • IMO
      • NMTC
    • TALLENTEX
    • AOSAT
    • ALLEN e-Store
    • ALLEN for Schools
    • About ALLEN
    • Blogs
    • News
    • Careers
    • Request a call back
    • Book home demo
Home
NEET Biology
Omega Oxidation of Fatty Acids

Omega Oxidation of Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are vital in our diet and are critical in numerous biological functions. They provide a major energy source and are essential for synthesizing important molecules like phospholipids and signaling compounds. Structurally, fatty acids comprise long hydrocarbon chains ending with the carboxyl group. 

1.0What are Fatty Acids?

Fatty acids are long-chain hydrocarbons with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. They are key components of lipids in the body and can be classified into:

  • Saturated Fatty Acids: These fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms (e.g., stearic acid).  
  • Unsaturated Fatty Acids: These fatty acids contain one or more double bonds. Examples include oleic acid for monounsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid for polyunsaturated fatty acids.

2.0Pathways of Fatty Acid Oxidation

Fatty acids are primarily oxidized in the body through:

  • Beta Oxidation: The main pathway for fatty acid catabolism occurs in the mitochondria, where fatty acids are broken down into acetyl-CoA units.
  • Alpha Oxidation: Occurs in peroxisomes and is important for the degradation of branched-chain fatty acids.
  • Omega Oxidation: A minor pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum, where the omega carbon (the last carbon of the fatty acid chain) undergoes oxidation.

3.0Omega Oxidation - Definition and Location

  • Omega oxidation is a metabolic pathway that involves the oxidation of fatty acids' terminal (omega) carbon. 
  • It occurs primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum of liver and kidney cells. 
  • This pathway is an alternative route for fatty acid degradation, especially when beta-oxidation is impaired.

4.0Omega Oxidation of Fatty Acids Reaction

The process of omega oxidation involves the following steps:

  • Fatty Acid Activation: The fatty acid is activated by coenzyme A to form fatty acyl-CoA.
  • Hydroxylation: Cytochrome P450 enzymes introduce a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the omega carbon, forming an omega-hydroxy fatty acid.
  • Dehydrogenation: The hydroxyl group is oxidized to a keto group (=O), resulting in an omega-keto fatty acid.
  • Further Oxidation: The keto group is oxidized to a carboxyl group (-COOH), yielding a dicarboxylic acid.
  • Beta Oxidation of Dicarboxylic Acids: The dicarboxylic acid can enter the beta-oxidation pathway or other metabolic pathways for further breakdown and energy production.

5.0Steps of Omega Oxidation (Flow Chart)

  1. The pathway begins with the oxidation of the ω methyl group by mixed-function oxidases, which transfer oxygen from molecular oxygen with the help of cytochrome P450 and electron donor NADPH to oxidize methyl to –CH2OH. 

↓

  1. In the next two steps the primary hydroxyl is oxidized to an acid by alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases to the carboxyl group. 

↓

  1. The resultant dicarboxylic acid may undergo β oxidation from one or both ends. 

↓

  1. The carboxyl group is activated and degraded by β oxidation in the mitochondria. Each round of oxidation releases acetylCoA and a shortened dicarboxylic acid. Some of these shortened products like succinic acid can enter the TCA cycle whereas others may be structural constituents of complex biomolecules.

Steps of omega oxidation


6.0Biological Significance of Omega Oxidation

Omega oxidation is crucial for:

  • Detoxification: Provides a route for the metabolism of xenobiotics and other fatty acids unsuitable for beta-oxidation.
  • Energy Production: Serves as a secondary energy source when beta-oxidation is compromised.
  • Regulation of Fatty Acid Levels: Helps maintain fatty acid homeostasis by degrading excess fatty acids.

7.0Omega - 3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids essential for human health. They include:

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Found in plant oils.
  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in marine oils.
  • Fish Oil: Rich in EPA and DHA, fish oil is known for its numerous health benefits, including:
  • Brain Function: Supports cognitive function and may help in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Helps in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Table of Contents


  • 1.0What are Fatty Acids?
  • 2.0Pathways of Fatty Acid Oxidation
  • 3.0Omega Oxidation - Definition and Location
  • 4.0Omega Oxidation of Fatty Acids Reaction
  • 5.0Steps of Omega Oxidation (Flow Chart)
  • 6.0Biological Significance of Omega Oxidation
  • 7.0Omega - 3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

While beta-oxidation occurs in the mitochondria and involves the removal of two-carbon units from the carboxyl end of fatty acids, omega oxidation occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum. It oxidizes the terminal methyl group, converting it to a carboxyl group.

The key enzymes involved in omega oxidation are: Cytochrome P450 oxidases introduce a hydroxyl group at the omega carbon. Alcohol dehydrogenases oxidize the hydroxyl group to an aldehyde. Aldehyde dehydrogenases further oxidize the aldehyde to a carboxylic acid.

Conditions such as metabolic disorders, genetic defects in beta-oxidation enzymes, and peroxisomal disorders can increase omega oxidation as the body seeks alternative pathways to metabolize fatty acids.

Elevated levels of dicarboxylic acids in the urine can serve as diagnostic markers for increased omega oxidation activity, potentially indicating underlying metabolic disorders.

Join ALLEN!

(Session 2025 - 26)


Choose class
Choose your goal
Preferred Mode
Choose State

Related Articles:-

Fatty Acid Biosynthesis

The synthesis of fatty acids starting from a simple precursor called...

Acid Catalysed Aldol Condensation

Condensation reactions are a fundamental class of chemical reactions in organic and inorganic chemistry, where two...

Abscisic Acid

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant hormone with roles in growth, development, and stress responses, earning it the label of a stress hormone. As a...

Chemical Evolution Of Life

Chemical Evolution - formation of diverse organic molecules from inorganic constituents. (The conditions..

Gluconeogenesis

Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic process that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, including lactate...

Ketogenesis

Ketogenesis breaks down fatty acids to produce acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate. These ketone...

Functions of Blood

Blood, the only fluid tissue in the body, circulates through blood vessels, driven by the heart's pumping action. It is categorized...

  • About
    • About us
    • Blog
    • News
    • MyExam EduBlogs
    • Privacy policy
    • Public notice
    • Careers
    • Dhoni Inspires NEET Aspirants
    • Dhoni Inspires JEE Aspirants
  • Help & Support
    • Refund policy
    • Transfer policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact us
  • Popular goals
    • NEET Coaching
    • JEE Coaching
    • 6th to 10th
  • Courses
    • Online Courses
    • Distance Learning
    • Online Test Series
    • International Olympiads Online Course
    • NEET Test Series
    • JEE Test Series
    • JEE Main Test Series
  • Centers
    • Kota
    • Bangalore
    • Indore
    • Delhi
    • More centres
  • Exam information
    • JEE Main
    • JEE Advanced
    • NEET UG
    • CBSE
    • NCERT Solutions
    • Olympiad
    • NEET 2025 Results
    • NEET 2025 Answer Key
    • JEE Advanced 2025 Answer Key
    • JEE Advanced Rank Predictor

ALLEN Career Institute Pvt. Ltd. © All Rights Reserved.

ISO