palmitoylCoAn

Palmitoyl-CoA is a thioester formed from palmitic acid and coenzyme A. It is a key intermediate in fatty acid metabolism, particularly in the synthesis of saturated fatty acids and the breakdown of fatty acids. Palmitoyl-CoA is the first committed product in the de novo synthesis of fatty acids in animals and plants. This process occurs in the cytoplasm and is catalyzed by the enzyme fatty acid synthase. The formation of palmitoyl-CoA is an energy-requiring step, as it involves the activation of palmitic acid. In lipid catabolism, palmitoyl-CoA is the end product of beta-oxidation of palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid with a 16-carbon chain. This molecule then enters the mitochondria to be further metabolized in the citric acid cycle or to be converted into ketone bodies. Palmitoyl-CoA also plays a role in the synthesis of other lipids, such as triglycerides and phospholipids, and can be a substrate for enzymes involved in protein modification, like palmitoylation. The regulation of palmitoyl-CoA levels is crucial for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis and lipid balance.