How many molecules of acetyl-CoA are needed to synthesize a 16-carbon fatty acid if the process is started with acetyl-S-enzyme-1 and malonyl-CoA?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The synthesis of a 16-carbon fatty acid from acetyl-CoA involves the initial condensation of one molecule of acetyl-CoA with malonyl-CoA to extend the chain by two carbons. This process repeats, each time consuming one acetyl-CoA for the initial step and then malonyl-CoA for each subsequent two-carbon extension. For a 16-carbon fatty acid, 7 acetyl-CoA molecules are required: one for the start and six more to add the remaining 14 carbons (since each extension adds 2 carbons).

How Many Molecules of Acetyl-CoA Are Needed to Synthesize a 16-Carbon