14 - Biosynthesis

Question 1

How does fatty acid synthesis start?

Answer 1

With a metabolic precursor from a central metabolism, Acetyl-CoA.

Question 2

How is acetyl-CoA activated?

Answer 2

By Malonyl-CoA synthase that will add a –OOC group to Acetyl-CoA forming Malonyl-CoA.

Question 3

What happens to CoA after Acetyl-CoA is activated?

Answer 3

CoA is then removed and replaced by Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP) to form Malonyl-ACP.

Question 4

What is Malonyl-ACP linked to?

Answer 4

Malonyl-ACP is then linked to Acetyl-ACP and the reaction continues. The end product is a fatty acid.