Acetyl Co-Enzyme A

The main function of coenzyme A is transfer of acyl groups, such as the acetyl group, or of thioesters. A molecule of coenzyme A carrying an acetyl group is also referred to as acetyl-CoA.

Coenzyme A is sometimes referred to as 'CoASH' or 'HSCoA' because when it is not attached to an acetyl group, it is attached to a thiol group, -SH. CoA is adapted from β-mercaptoethylamine, panthothenate and adenosine triphosphate.

The coenzyme is a very important biological intermeditate in the synthesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids and in generation of pyruvate for the citric acid cycle.

Acetyl Co-A is chiefly employed to convey the carbon atoms of the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle to be oxidized for energy production. Acetyl-CoA is the precursor to HMG CoA, which is a vital component in cholesterol and ketone synthesis. Acetyl C0-A contributes an acetyl group to choline in the synthesis of acetylcholine, in a reaction catalysed by choline acetyltransferase.