acetyl coenzyme A
A coenzyme derivative in the metabolism
of glucose and fatty
acids that contributes substrates to the citric
acid cycle (Krebs cycle). It is formed when pyruvic
acid is broken down during the formation of fat from carbohydrates.
Commonly referred to as acetyl CoA, it is also a key intermediate in the
biosynthesis of lipids. Acetyl coenzyme A
is formed when a two-carbon acetyl group is added to the coenzyme A carrier
group. CoA thus acts as the carrier of the acetyl group, which is the basic
building block of fatty acids.
Related category
• BIOCHEMISTRY
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