acetylcoenzyme

Acetylcoenzyme A, often abbreviated as acetyl-CoA, is a crucial molecule in cellular metabolism. It serves as a central hub, linking the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to the energy-producing pathways of the cell. Acetyl-CoA is synthesized from pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, as well as from fatty acids through beta-oxidation and from the catabolism of amino acids.

The primary role of acetyl-CoA is to donate its acetyl group to the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle. In this cycle, the acetyl group is completely oxidized to carbon dioxide, generating high-energy electron carriers, NADH and FADH2. These electron carriers then fuel the electron transport chain, where the majority of ATP, the cell's energy currency, is produced through oxidative phosphorylation.

Beyond its role in energy production, acetyl-CoA is also a precursor for the synthesis of various important biomolecules. It is essential for the biosynthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and ketone bodies. In plants, acetyl-CoA is a starting material for the production of terpenes and flavonoids. The versatile nature of acetyl-CoA makes it indispensable for a wide range of metabolic processes within living organisms.