atsetaatkoensüüm
Atsetaatkoensüüm, often abbreviated as acetyl-CoA, is a crucial molecule in cellular metabolism. It acts as a central hub, linking the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to the citric acid cycle and fatty acid synthesis. Atsetaatkoensüüm is formed when a two-carbon acetyl group is attached to the carrier molecule coenzyme A. This acetyl group typically originates from the breakdown of pyruvate, a product of glycolysis, or from the oxidation of fatty acids. The thioester bond between the acetyl group and coenzyme A is a high-energy bond, making acetyl-CoA a reactive intermediate.
In aerobic respiration, acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) where its