coenzyme a

Thân thiện

A scientist adds coenzyme A to a test tube in a laboratory.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A coenzyme present in all living cells; essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and some amino acids: Coenzyme A is a crucial molecule that acts as a helper for enzymes, facilitating numerous biochemical reactions involved in breaking down and building up nutrients for energy and cellular function.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Acetyl-CoA, a molecule formed by attaching an acetyl group to coenzyme A, is a central intermediate in metabolism.
  • The synthesis of fatty acids requires coenzyme A to activate the precursor molecules.
  • A deficiency in pantothenic acid, a vitamin used to synthesize coenzyme A, can impair energy production.

Advanced Usage

• "Activated carrier": Coenzyme A often functions as an activated carrier of specific chemical groups (like acetyl or acyl groups) within metabolic pathways.
  • In the citric acid cycle, coenzyme A carries acetyl groups to be oxidized for energy.

Variants and Related Words

• CoA (n): A common abbreviation for coenzyme A.
  • The reaction yields acetyl-CoA.
• Acyl-CoA (n): A class of molecules formed when a fatty acid chain is attached to coenzyme A, crucial for fat metabolism.
  • Acyl-CoA synthetase is the enzyme that forms acyl-CoA.

Synonyms

• Metabolic cofactor: A substance that assists in metabolic reactions.
• Carrier molecule: A molecule that transports chemical groups during reactions.

Related Phrases

• Coenzyme A synthesis: The biochemical pathway that produces coenzyme A from its components, including pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).
  • The study focused on the regulation of coenzyme A synthesis in the liver.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a coenzyme present in all living cells; essential to metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and some amino acids

Từ đồng nghĩa

• coenzyme a