In the fatty acid synthetase system, acetyl CoA is converted back into a fatty acid. How many acetyl CoAs are used in making a 18 carbon fatty acid?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the fatty acid synthesis process, one acetyl CoA is used to start the chain, and then malonyl CoA (derived from acetyl CoA) is used to elongate the chain by two carbons at a time. To make an 18-carbon fatty acid, 1 acetyl CoA and 8 malonyl CoAs (which are derived from 8 acetyl CoAs) are needed, totaling 9 acetyl CoAs.

In the Fatty Acid Synthetase System, Acetyl CoA Is Converted