Acetyl coenzyme A is a molecule that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It is an important intermediate in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and is involved in the production of energy in the form of ATP. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acetyl coenzyme A, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and root words.
Definitions
Acetyl coenzyme A, also known as acetyl-CoA, is a molecule that is formed during the breakdown of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. It is a coenzyme that is involved in many metabolic pathways, including the citric acid cycle, fatty acid synthesis, and the urea cycle. Acetyl coenzyme A is a small molecule that is made up of three parts: an acetyl group, a coenzyme A molecule, and a thioester bond.
Origin
The discovery of acetyl coenzyme A can be traced back to the early 20th century, when scientists first began to study the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in living organisms. In 1937, Fritz Lipmann and Nathan Kaplan identified a molecule that they called “coenzyme A,” which they found to be involved in the transfer of acetyl groups in metabolic reactions. Later, in the 1950s, scientists discovered that acetyl coenzyme A was a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which is the main pathway for the production of energy in cells.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Acetyl coenzyme A is defined in many different dictionaries and scientific texts. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is defined as “a coenzyme that participates in many biochemical reactions, especially the citric acid cycle and fatty acid metabolism, by transferring acetyl groups.” In the Oxford Dictionary, it is defined as “a coenzyme that carries acetyl groups and is involved in the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids and the citric acid cycle.” In scientific texts, it is often abbreviated as “acetyl-CoA.”
Associations
Acetyl coenzyme A is associated with many different metabolic pathways and processes. It is involved in the breakdown of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, and is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which produces ATP, the main source of energy for cells. Acetyl coenzyme A is also involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, which are used to build cell membranes and other structures in the body.
Synonyms
Acetyl coenzyme A is also known by several other names, including acetyl-CoA, acetyl-Coenzyme A, and S-acetyl coenzyme A. It is sometimes abbreviated as AcCoA or AcCoEnzA.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for acetyl coenzyme A, as it is a specific molecule with a unique structure and function. However, there are other molecules and compounds that are involved in metabolic pathways that may be considered “opposites” to acetyl coenzyme A in certain contexts.
The same root words
The root words of acetyl coenzyme A are “acetyl,” “coenzyme,” and “A.” “Acetyl” refers to a chemical group that contains two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. “Coenzyme” refers to a small molecule that is required for the activity of certain enzymes in metabolic pathways. “A” refers to the coenzyme A molecule that is attached to the acetyl group in acetyl coenzyme A.
Example Sentences
- Acetyl coenzyme A is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which produces ATP, the main source of energy for cells.
- Fatty acid synthesis requires the presence of acetyl coenzyme A, which is produced during the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats.
- The transfer of acetyl groups in metabolic reactions is mediated by coenzyme A, which binds to the acetyl group to form acetyl coenzyme A.
- Acetyl coenzyme A is involved in the synthesis of many important molecules in the body, including cholesterol, steroids, and bile acids.
- The formation of acetyl coenzyme A is an important step in the breakdown of glucose, which is the primary fuel source for cells.