How do plants conduct ß-oxidation differently than animals?

Plants conduct ß-oxidation differently than animals primarily due to their unique metabolic processes and the involvement of specialized organelles such as peroxisomes. In plants, ß-oxidation occurs in the peroxisomes, where fatty acids are broken down and this process produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a byproduct. The release of heat is also a characteristic of this metabolic process, as it reflects the energy transformation occurring during fatty acid catabolism.

The production of H2O2 during this process is significant because it requires subsequent detoxification mechanisms, which are part of the plant's protective responses to oxidative stress. In contrast, animals primarily perform ß-oxidation in the mitochondria without producing significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide and do not rely on it for their metabolic energy.

In summary, the correct answer highlights that the ß-oxidation process in plants is associated with the production of heat and hydrogen peroxide, establishing a distinction from the mechanisms found in animals.