Acyl carrier protein (ACP) is a central component in fatty acid biosynthesis, serving as a carrier for acyl groups during the elongation process. It plays a crucial role by facilitating the transfer of acyl intermediates between enzymatic sites within the fatty acid synthase complex, ensuring efficient lipid production.

Acyl Carrier Protein

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

Acyl groups

Elongation process

Acyl intermediates

Enzymatic sites

The fatty acid synthase complex is a multi-enzyme protein that catalyzes the synthesis of long-chain saturated fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA substrates in the presence of NADPH. It plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism and is a target for cancer and obesity treatment due to its involvement in cellular proliferation and energy storage.

Concepts

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