coenzyme A

American  

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

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coenzyme A British  

noun

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

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coenzyme A Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of coenzyme A

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 • Nov. 9, 2023

In step five, a phosphate group is substituted for coenzyme A, and a high-energy bond is formed.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The other two carbon atoms form acetic acid and combine with a compound called coenzyme A to form acetyl CoA.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

Acetyl CoA enters the Krebs cycle by combining with a four-carbon molecule, oxaloacetate, to form the six-carbon molecule citrate, or citric acid, at the same time releasing the coenzyme A molecule.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

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

From History of Phosphorus by Farber, Eduard