acyl-CoA

Acyl-CoA is a molecule that plays a key role in the body's energy production. It consists of a fatty acid (the acyl group) attached to a coenzyme called CoA. This structure allows the fatty acid to be transported into mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories, where it undergoes chemical reactions to generate energy. Acyl-CoA is essential for breaking down fats into usable energy, and it also helps synthesize other important molecules. Its formation and breakdown are central to the body's overall metabolic processes, especially in managing fat and carbohydrate resources efficiently.