Biochem Q, nomenclature

[BlondeCookie]

Is acetyl CoA the same thing as acyl Coa?

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[slick177]

acetyl = 2 carbon
acyl = n number of carbon

 

[andiluvsk]

I think acetyl Coa is refering specifically to the 2 carbon CoA citric acid cycle intermediate, while acyl Coa refers to any longer carbon chained CoA (such as a fatty acid that has been thioesterefied in preparation for beta oxidation).

 

[BlondeCookie]

Thanks guys. SO, acyl and acetyl just refer to the number of carbons attached to the CoA. What about acetoacetyl Coa? Is this an acyl Coa? How many carbons?

 

[andiluvsk]

I think (and if I'm wrong a neurotic predmed/gunner please correct me) that acetoacetyl CoA is 2 acetyl CoA molecules condensed, and is the one of the major reactants in cholesterol synthesis

 

[sandg]

To follow up on what andiluvsk said:
Acetoacetyl CoA is the condensation product of two acetyl CoA molecules and an intermediate along the pathway to the ketone bodies. The condensation of acetoacetyl CoA with a third acetyl CoA molecule yields HMG CoA. HMG CoA is reduced to mevalonic acid in the synthesis of cholesterol. It is this reduction step that is regulated in cholesterol production.