Acetyl-CoA
Acetyl-CoA
Acetyl-CoA or Acetyl coenzyme A (pronounced as a-set-il ko-en-zime A) is a crucial molecule in biochemistry. It is involved in many biochemical reactions and is a key part of the metabolic process.
Etymology
The term "Acetyl-CoA" is derived from its full name, Acetyl coenzyme A. "Acetyl" is a functional group in organic chemistry, derived from acetic acid. "Coenzyme A" is a coenzyme, notable for its role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, and the oxidation of pyruvate in the citric acid cycle.
Function
Acetyl-CoA plays a significant role in metabolism, the process by which cells convert food into energy. It is produced during the second step of aerobic respiration, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle), and is a necessary component in the biochemical creation of energy. It is also involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.
Related Terms
- Coenzyme A: A coenzyme that carries acetyl and other carbon groups in the metabolic process.
- Citric Acid Cycle: Also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle, it is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy.
- Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.
- Aerobic Respiration: The process most living cells use to create the "energy currency" of the cell, ATP, through the burning of glucose in the presence of oxygen.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acetyl-CoA
- Wikipedia's article - Acetyl-CoA
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