An important metabolic intermediate that provides energy for cellular function, and is used for the synthesis of cholesterol, fatty acids, and other biological compounds.
A two-carbon metabolic intermediate that is the starting substrate for fatty acid synthesis. It is also the end product of fatty acid degradation (fatty acid oxidation). When joined to oxalacetate, acetyl CoA enters the citric acid cycle as citrate and the CoA portion of the molecule is removed for use in other reactions.
Acetyl CoA is composed of acetic acid and coenzyme A and is a vital molecule in intermediary metabolism. It is produced in the catabolism of macronutrients and is required for the synthesis of many important compounds, including fatty acids, cholesterol, and ketones.