Metabolic modeling and comparative biochemistry in glyoxylate cycle

Abstract

Glyoxylate cycle in fatty acid catabolism enhances net production of oxaloacetate, a substrate for gluconeogenesis, in certain bacteria, invertebrates and oilseed in the growth stage. A theoretical model was developed to calculate ATP amount produced in each step of the catabolic pathway, taking into account the fatty acid’s hydrocarbon chain size. Results showed a decrease in energy efficiency in glyoxylate cycle when compared to animal metabolism. Although the glyoxylate cycle provides evolutionary adaptations, it determines a smaller amount of energy produced per carbon atom when compared to animal catabolism of fatty acids.