Fatty acids are activated in the cytoplasm via a two-step process that results in the formation of acyl CoA molecules.
Fatty Acid Activation: A Two-Step Process
Once fatty acids enter the cytoplasm of target cells, they are activated in preparation for beta-oxidation or other metabolic pathways. This activation process involves two main steps:
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Formation of Acyl-AMP: The first step involves the transfer of an adenosine monophosphate (AMP) component from ATP to the fatty acid. This reaction releases pyrophosphate (PPi) and forms acyl-AMP.
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Formation of Acyl CoA: (Further details about the second step are not provided in the given reference. Generally, the acyl-AMP reacts with Coenzyme A (CoA-SH) to form acyl-CoA and AMP.)
In essence, the activation process primes the fatty acid for subsequent reactions, such as transport into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation.
