lauric acid metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving lauric acid, a fatty acid with the formula CH3(CH2)10COOH. Derived from vegetable sources. [GOC:jid, PMID:15555597]

Lauric acid metabolic process is a complex biochemical pathway involved in the breakdown and utilization of lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms. This process is essential for energy production, cell signaling, and various physiological functions.

**1. Activation and Transport:**

* Lauric acid is initially activated by attaching a coenzyme A molecule (CoA) to form lauroyl-CoA. This reaction requires ATP and is catalyzed by an enzyme called acyl-CoA synthetase.
* Lauroyl-CoA is then transported into the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, where the major steps of beta-oxidation take place.

**2. Beta-Oxidation:**

* Beta-oxidation is a cyclical process that involves four main steps:
* Dehydrogenation: Lauroyl-CoA is oxidized by acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, removing two hydrogen atoms and forming trans-2-enoyl-CoA.
* Hydration: Enoyl-CoA hydratase adds a water molecule across the double bond, forming L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA.
* Oxidation: 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase oxidizes the hydroxyl group, yielding 3-ketoacyl-CoA.
* Thiolysis: 3-ketoacyl-CoA is cleaved by a thiolase enzyme, releasing acetyl-CoA (a two-carbon unit) and a shorter acyl-CoA molecule (10 carbons in this case).

* The shortened acyl-CoA molecule then enters another round of beta-oxidation, repeating the four steps until the entire lauric acid molecule is broken down into acetyl-CoA units.

**3. Acetyl-CoA Utilization:**

* Acetyl-CoA is a crucial molecule in metabolism. It can be utilized in various pathways, including:
* **Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle):** Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle, where it is further oxidized to generate ATP (energy currency of the cell), NADH, and FADH2.
* **Fatty acid biosynthesis:** Acetyl-CoA can be used to synthesize new fatty acids.
* **Ketone body production:** Under certain conditions, acetyl-CoA can be converted into ketone bodies, which can serve as alternative energy sources.

**4. Regulation:**

* Lauric acid metabolism is tightly regulated by various factors, including:
* **Hormonal control:** Hormones like insulin and glucagon regulate the activity of enzymes involved in lauric acid metabolism.
* **Nutritional status:** The availability of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats influences the rate of lauric acid metabolism.
* **Cellular energy demands:** The energy needs of the cell determine the rate at which lauric acid is broken down for ATP production.

**Overall, lauric acid metabolic process plays a critical role in energy generation, lipid homeostasis, and cell function. It involves a series of complex enzymatic reactions that ultimately break down lauric acid into acetyl-CoA units, which can be used in various metabolic pathways.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (7)