coenzyme A

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a coenzyme, composed of a phosphorylated derivative of pantothenic acid linked to adenylic acid, that participates in the transfer of acyl groups in fatty acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. : CoA

coenzyme A

noun

1. a constituent of biological cells that functions as the agent of acylation in metabolic reactions CoA

coenzyme A

1. A coenzyme that consists of a nucleotide linked to pantothenic acid (part of the vitamin B complex), is present in all living cells, and functions as an acyl group carrier. Coenzyme A is necessary for fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, pyruvate oxidation, and other acetylation reactions. In cellular respiration , each of two acetyl groups derived from the original glucose molecule attaches itself to coenzyme A as acetyl coenzyme A and then enters the Krebs cycle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coenzyme A¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Once taken into cells, it is converted into a molecule called coenzyme A, which can then be used in lots of metabolic pathways.

From Science Daily

Usually, it becomes linked to the molecule coenzyme A to form methylmalonyl-CoA, and is converted to succinyl-CoA in a reaction that involves vitamin B12 as a cofactor.

From Nature

He developed a new method of synthesizing nucleotides, and achieved international recognition for synthesizing coenzyme A, which is involved in converting fats to energy.

From New York Times

He found coenzyme A which is a nucleotide containing phosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg