Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is a biotin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to form malonyl-CoA, a critical step in fatty acid biosynthesis. It is a key regulatory point in lipid metabolism, influencing both fatty acid synthesis and oxidation through its impact on malonyl-CoA levels.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase

Biotin-dependent enzyme

Carboxylation of acetyl-CoA

Malonyl-CoA is a critical intermediate in fatty acid biosynthesis, acting as a two-carbon donor in the elongation of the acyl chain. It also plays a regulatory role by inhibiting carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, thus controlling the balance between fatty acid synthesis and oxidation.

Malonyl-CoA

Fatty acid biosynthesis is a vital anabolic process that converts acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA into long-chain fatty acids, primarily occurring in the cytoplasm of cells. This process is essential for producing cellular membranes and energy storage molecules, and is tightly regulated by nutritional and hormonal signals.

Fatty Acid Biosynthesis

Key regulatory point in lipid metabolism

Fatty acid synthesis is the anabolic process of creating fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA, primarily occurring in the cytoplasm of liver and adipose cells. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme complex fatty acid synthase and is crucial for energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling molecule production.

Fatty Acid Synthesis

Fatty acid oxidation is a metabolic process that breaks down fatty acids to generate acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2, which are crucial for energy production in cells. This process primarily occurs in the mitochondria and is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis, especially during fasting or prolonged exercise.

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