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