Carbon source metabolism of butyric acid
The metabolism of carbon source of butyric acid is very important in biochemistry. Butyric acid, a class of short URL fatty acids, can also provide energy for many microorganisms, and has a significant effect on carbon source circulation and energy metabolism.

Microorganisms ingest butyric acid as a carbon source, and its metabolic pathways are diverse. At first, butyric acid crosses the cell membrane through a specific transporter protein. Then, under the action of intracellular enzymes, the metabolic process is initiated. It often follows the β-oxidation pathway to gradually degrade butyric acid, which releases energy and is stored in the form of ATP for microbial growth, reproduction and physiological activities.

In beta-oxidation, butyric acid molecules are successively cleaved into acetyl-coenzyme A, which can enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle, further oxidize, and release more energy. And this metabolic process can generate many intermediate products, which provide raw materials for microorganisms to synthesize their own biological macromolecules, such as amino acids, fatty acids, nucleic acids, etc.

In addition, the metabolism of butyric acid carbon sources has a profound impact on the ecological environment. In soil, the metabolism of butyric acid by microorganisms can affect the soil carbon and nitrogen cycle and improve soil fertility. In the intestine, the metabolism of butyric acid by beneficial bacteria can maintain the balance of intestinal microecology and promote the health of the host. Or regulate the intestinal pH value and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria; or participate in the repair of intestinal mucosa and enhance the intestinal barrier function. Carbon source metabolism of butyrate is of great significance in both microscopic microbial physiology and macroscopic ecological environment. In-depth study can provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the development of many fields.