acetyl coenzyme A

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Variant: acetyl CoA

A compound formed in the mitochondria when an acetyl group (CH₃CO–), derived from the breakdown of fats, proteins, or carbohydrates (via glycolysis), combines with the thiol group (–SH) of coenzyme A. Acetyl CoA feeds into the energy generating Kreb's cycle and also plays a role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.

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acetyl CoA

An important intermediate in the aerobic metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When oxygen is available, pyruvic acid (formed from glucose during glycolysis), fatty acids (from lipids), and amino acids (from proteins) form acetyl coenzyme A, which acts as the common entry point into the Krebs cycle in a mitochondrion.

n. (Abbr. acetyl CoA)

1. An organic compound in which an acetyl group is attached to CoA.
2. A compound that functions as a coenzyme in many biological acetylation reactions and is formed as an intermediate in the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

abbr.: acetyl-CoA; a derivative of coenzyme A in which the sulfhydryl group is acetylated. Originally termed 'active acetate', it is an important metabolite, derived from pathways such as glycolysis, fatty-acid oxidation, and degradative metabolism of some amino acids. It is further metabolized by the tricarboxylic-acid cycle and represents a key intermediate in lipid and terpenoid biosynthesis and other anabolic reactions.

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