Fatty acid synthesis
Fatty Acid Synthesis is the process by which fatty acids are produced from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA molecules in the cytoplasm of a cell. This process is crucial for the production of lipids, which are essential components of all living cells.
Pronunciation
Fatty Acid Synthesis: /ˈfæti ˈæsɪd ˈsɪnθɪsɪs/
Etymology
The term "Fatty Acid Synthesis" is derived from the Latin words "fattus" meaning "fat", "acidus" meaning "acid", and the Greek word "synthesis" meaning "putting together".
Process
The process of fatty acid synthesis begins with the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to form malonyl-CoA, a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The malonyl-CoA is then transferred to a carrier protein, and the growing fatty acid chain is elongated by a two-carbon unit. This process is repeated until the fatty acid chain is fully synthesized.
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