Question

What is the significance of Acetyl CoA

Answer 1

Acetyl coenzyme A

Answer 2

this molecule is an essential element for the krebs cycle. it comes from pyruvate, a 3 carbon molecule that loses one as CO2 in a decarbolixation reaction, as a i said, before it enters the cycle. then it reacts with oxalacetate a four carbon molecule to form citrate..and so on.

Answer 3

Phascolarctos is correct in his answer. I'd like to add that acetyl coA can shuttle carbon atoms from fat or protein breakdown.

Answer 4

Acetyl CoA can also be convereted to Ketonbodies, these are especially essential during starvation when the brain has no access to sugar, while Acetyl CoA can't pass the BBB (Blood brain barrier), these Keton bodies can. Where they can be reversed back to Acetyl CoA and be metabolised in the brain, providing the brain with precious precious energy.
Biproduct of creating Ketonbodies ia Acetone which is exhaled, that is why starving peoples breath smell of Aceton.
(These Ketonbodies are still produced during normal circumstances, but to a lesser extent.)

It's also important due to Degradation of certain amino acids enters Acetyl CoA (Isoleucine, Leucine, Tryptophan)

Without Acetyl CoA we wouldn't be able to utilize the stored fat tissue as energy reserve.

In other words, essential.

@Phascolarctos Pyruvat can also enter Krebs cycle / Citric acid cycle through Pyruvate carboxylase where it enters Oxaloacetate instead of Acetyl CoA.

Answer 5

exuras: great explanation and very complete, although i dont know if the person who asked this question is going to understand all this knowledge. although i didnt ask, i like to remember my biochemistry. i think this was my favorite subject in college

Answer 6

You make a very good point.