Alpha and beta oxidation are two processes associated with fatty acids. There are a few significant differences between alpha and beta oxidation.
Alpha oxidation
Alpha oxidation is a process that yields simpler forms of fatty acids that can later undergo beta oxidation. During this process a single carbon is removed from the carboxyl end of the molecule between carbons 1 and 2 (C1 and C2), which breaks down the fatty acid. One carbon atom is lost, which is released as CO2 per cycle.
Alpha oxidation is a minor oxidation pathway. It occurs in peroxisomes.
Beta oxidation
Beta oxidation is a process by which fatty acid molecules are broken down to produce energy. During the process, the carbon chains between carbons 2 and 3 (C2 and C3) are broken down, generating acetyl CoA, NADH and FADH2. Two carbon units are released as acetyl CoA per cycle. The acetyl CoA can then be used for energy production in cells.
Beta oxidation is the major oxidation pathway. It occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and in the cytosol of prokaryotic cells.