Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (pronounced as: a-sil co-a de-hydro-gen-ase) is a family of enzymes that function in fatty acid metabolism, allowing the breakdown of fatty acids through a process called beta-oxidation.
Etymology
The term "Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase" is derived from its function and structure. "Acyl" refers to the acyl group, a functional group derived from carboxylic acids. "CoA" stands for coenzyme A, a non-protein chemical compound that assists in biological transformations. "Dehydrogenase" refers to enzymes that catalyze the removal of hydrogen atoms from a molecule.
Function
Acyl-CoA dehydrogenases are crucial for the metabolism of fatty acids and some amino acids. They catalyze the dehydrogenation of acyl-CoA derivatives in the metabolism of fatty acids and in the catabolism of some amino acids. This process is essential for the production of ATP, the main energy currency of the cell.
Types
There are several types of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, each specific for the length of the carbon chain in the fatty acid substrate. These include:
- Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD)
- Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD)
- Long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD)
- Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD)
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
- Wikipedia's article - Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
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