Coenzyme a

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Coenzyme A

Coenzyme A (CoA) 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. All genomes sequenced to date encode enzymes that use coenzyme A as a substrate, and humans metabolize coenzyme A in every cell, through the pantothenate kinase pathway.

Pronunciation

Coenzyme A: /koʊˈɛnzaɪm eɪ/

Etymology

The term "Coenzyme A" comes from its role as a coenzyme (a non-protein chemical compound that is required for the protein's biological activity) and the "A" signifies its identification as the first such coenzyme discovered.

Function

Coenzyme A is essential for the chemical reactions that produce energy from food (fat, sugar, and protein). It also helps make lipids, which are used in the production of hormones and the maintenance of the cell membrane.

Related Terms

  • Pantothenate kinase: The first enzyme in the Coenzyme A biosynthetic pathway.
  • Citric acid cycle: A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy.
  • Lipids: A group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, phospholipids, and others.
  • Hormones: Signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms that are transported by the circulatory system to target distant organs to regulate physiology and behavior.

See Also

  • Vitamin B5: Also known as pantothenic acid, it is a water-soluble vitamin discovered in 1933. It is required to synthesize coenzyme-A.
  • Acetyl-CoA: An important molecule in metabolism, used in many biochemical reactions. Its main function is to convey the carbon atoms within the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle to be oxidized for energy production.

External links

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