Fatty acid synthesis in plants is a cyclical process occurring exclusively within plastids, beginning with the conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA.
The Fatty Acid Synthesis Process in Plants
The synthesis of fatty acids in plants is a fascinating biochemical pathway. Let's break it down:
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Location: It takes place exclusively inside the plastids, which are organelles within plant cells responsible for various metabolic processes.
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Initiation: The process begins with the conversion of acetyl-CoA (acetyl coenzyme A) to malonyl-CoA. This is a crucial committed step.
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Cyclical Reaction: The synthesis proceeds through a series of cyclic reactions.
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Condensation: Two carbon atoms derived from the acetate portion of acetyl-CoA are condensed with malonyl-ACP (malonyl acyl carrier protein).
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Chain Elongation: At each successive condensation step within the cycle, the fatty acid chain is elongated.
In summary, plant fatty acid synthesis involves a repeating cycle of reactions within the plastids, starting with acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA, that adds two-carbon units to a growing fatty acid chain with each cycle.
