Atseüülrühmade

Atseüülrühmade is the Estonian term for acetyl groups. An acetyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry that can be represented as CH3CO-. It consists of a methyl group (CH3-) bonded to a carbonyl group (C=O). The acetyl group is a common building block and can be found in many organic molecules.

In biochemistry, acetyl groups play a crucial role in metabolism. Acetyl-CoA, a molecule containing an acetyl group linked to coenzyme A, is a central intermediate in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It enters the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, where it is oxidized to produce ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. Acetyl-CoA is also a precursor for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and some neurotransmitters like acetylcholine.

In organic synthesis, acetylation is a common reaction used to introduce an acetyl group into a molecule. This can be achieved using various acetylating agents, such as acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride. Acetylation can modify the properties of a molecule, for example, by increasing its solubility or reactivity, or by protecting a functional group during a chemical reaction. The acetyl group is often used as a protecting group for hydroxyl (-OH) and amino (-NH2) groups. The resulting ester or amide is generally more stable under certain reaction conditions and can be later removed to regenerate the original functional group.