Question

The availabilty of Acyl-COA molecules allows crosstalk between the utilization of fatty acids as fuel and anabolic processes. (Ex. Construction of lipid membranes) that utilize fatty acids.

Discuss the crosstalk with respect to beta oxidation and the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine.

Answer 1

Acyl-CoA is important in beta oxidation of fatty acids. Acyl CoA temporarily binds to the end of a fatty acid chain. This end of fatty acid can undergo beta oxidation. One round of beta oxidation forms one acetyl CoA.

The Acyl CoA that plays important role in metabolism of fatty acids also plays important role in synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. The acyl CoA is basically is a group of coenzymes and some of these coenzymes are specifically required for incorporation of fatty acids into phosphatidylcholine.