Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenases

Acyl-CoA dehydrogenases are enzymes that play a key role in breaking down fatty acids to produce energy. They act in the mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories, by catalyzing the first step in the fatty acid oxidation process. Specifically, they remove electrons from fatty acids linked to CoA, forming a molecule called trans-enoyl-CoA and transferring the electrons to the electron transport chain, which helps produce ATP, the cell’s energy currency. Different types of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases target fatty acids of varying lengths, ensuring the body efficiently utilizes fats for energy, especially during fasting or prolonged exercise.