Chapter 14.8, Problem 2QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct pair of keto acid intermediates in lipogenesis and the citric acid cycle respectively has to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Lipogenesis is the process employed for the synthesis of fatty acid. The starting precursor for the synthesis is acetyl CoA. The enzyme employed for the process is fatty acid synthase. It is a multienzyme complex that ties the reaction responsible for the synthesis of fatty acid. This process is the reverse of the degradation of fatty acid.

The citric acid cycle includes the reactions in which the acetyl part of acetyl CoA is oxidized and leads to the formation of carbon dioxide and CoA-SH. Carbon dioxide produced is exhaled out in the breathing process.

An acid containing both carbonyl and carboxyl functional group is known as a keto acid. A general representation of a keto acid is: