Biological process

ketolysis, ketone body breakdown, ketone body catabolism, ketone body degradation, utilization of ketone bodies

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of ketone bodies, any one of the three substances: acetoacetate, D-3-hydroxybutyrate (beta-hydroxybutyrate) or acetone. Ketone bodies can be used as an energy source as an alternative to glucose. Utilization of ketone bodies in peripheral tissues involves conversion of acetoacetate to acetoacetyl-CoA, which is then converted to two molecules of acetyl-CoA.