Chapter 26: Problem 16

The carbon skeleton of cholesterol and those of all biomolecules derived from it originate with the acetyl group (a two-carbon unit) of acetyl-CoA.

Short Answer

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Answer: The acetyl group of acetyl-CoA is related to the carbon skeleton of cholesterol and its biomolecular derivatives because it serves as the building block for synthesizing the carbon skeleton of cholesterol. Through a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, multiple acetyl groups combine and modify to form the four-ring carbon skeleton found in cholesterol. This carbon skeleton serves as the backbone for various essential biomolecules derived from cholesterol, such as bile acids, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, highlighting the critical role of the acetyl group of acetyl-CoA in the formation of these vital biomolecules.

Step by step solution

Understand the acetyl group and acetyl-CoA

An acetyl group is composed of two carbon atoms, one hydrogen atom, and one oxygen atom. In biochemistry, acetyl-CoA (acetyl coenzyme A) is a molecule that carries the acetyl group in a thioester bond, an essential chemical bond for many biochemical reactions. Acetyl-CoA plays a vital role in the cell, serving as a key intermediary in essential metabolic processes like the citric acid cycle, fatty acid synthesis, and the synthesis of cholesterol and other biomolecules.

Explore the carbon skeleton of cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of lipid molecule composed of four interconnected carbon rings, and its carbon skeleton comes from the fusion of these rings. The carbon skeleton serves as the backbone for multiple biomolecules derived from cholesterol, including bile acids, steroid hormones, and vitamin D.

Identify the link between acetyl-CoA and the carbon skeleton of cholesterol

The synthesis of cholesterol starts with the formation of a carbon skeleton, which is derived from the acetyl group of acetyl-CoA. The connection between the carbon skeleton of cholesterol and the acetyl group of acetyl-CoA originates from a series of biochemical reactions that combine and modify multiple acetyl groups to form the four-ring carbon skeleton.

Describe the synthesis of cholesterol from acetyl-CoA

The synthesis of cholesterol proceeds through several steps starting with the combination of acetyl-CoA molecules. The first step is the formation of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA (3-HMG-CoA) from two molecules of acetyl-CoA through multiple enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The 3-HMG-CoA is further converted into mevalonate, which undergoes a series of additional enzyme-catalyzed reactions, eventually resulting in the synthesis of the carbon skeleton of cholesterol. Overall, these metabolic reactions use the acetyl group of acetyl-CoA as the building block to synthesize the carbon skeleton of cholesterol, which will serve as the foundation for the development of various biomolecules.

Relate the carbon skeleton of cholesterol to derived biomolecules

Biomolecules derived from cholesterol share the same carbon skeleton as their precursor, cholesterol. They are structurally modified versions of cholesterol which serve specific functions in the body. For instance, bile acids aid in the digestion and absorption of fats; steroid hormones regulate various physiological processes like metabolism, inflammation, and reproduction; and vitamin D is essential for calcium regulation and bone health. The carbon skeleton of these biomolecules is identical to that of cholesterol, highlighting the significance of the acetyl group of acetyl-CoA in the formation of the carbon backbone for various essential biomolecules in the body.

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The carbon skeleton of cholesterol and those of all biomolecules derived from it originate with the acetyl group (a two-carbon unit) of acetyl-CoA.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the acetyl group and acetyl-CoA

Explore the carbon skeleton of cholesterol

Identify the link between acetyl-CoA and the carbon skeleton of cholesterol

Describe the synthesis of cholesterol from acetyl-CoA

Relate the carbon skeleton of cholesterol to derived biomolecules

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