How are fatty acids used for energy?

1) Biochemistry Oxidation of fatty acids results in the generation of the energy carrying molecules NADH and FADH2 used by the bodies' oxidative phosphorylation to yield molecules of ATP. ATP can be saved up briefly and is used by much of your bodies chemistry to "power" chemical reactions or, in other Words, do work. In this way ATP can be thought of as the bodies "currency" for energy. So, this production of ATP is the biochemical explanation for how fatty acids are used for energy. 2) Biofuels Fatty Acids can be combined with a catalyst (usually lye, I think) and methanol or ethanol (simple alcohols) to produce biodiesel, the fuel which the diesel engine was originally designed to be fueled by. Interesting note: bio-diesel production has the by-product of glycerin which is sometimes used in detergent and soap mixtures, and soaps are the salts of fatty acids. Hope this helps! -gsflack@comcast.net