Acetyl

Overview of Acetyl group in biochemistry

The acetyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry with the chemical formula CH3CO. It is a key component in many biochemical processes and is derived from acetic acid.

Role in Biochemistry

The acetyl group plays a crucial role in metabolism, particularly in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), where it is involved in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The acetyl group is transferred by acetyl-CoA, a central metabolite in cellular respiration.

Acetylation

Acetylation is a common biochemical modification where an acetyl group is added to a molecule. This process is important in gene expression regulation, as it affects the histone proteins associated with DNA. Acetylation of histones typically results in an open chromatin structure, facilitating transcription.

Acetyl-CoA

Acetyl-CoA is a vital molecule in metabolism, serving as a substrate for the citric acid cycle. It is formed from the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Acetyl-CoA is also a precursor for the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.

Applications in Medicine

In medicine, acetyl groups are part of many pharmaceuticals. For example, acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, is used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Acetylation is also a mechanism of action for some antibiotics and anticancer drugs.

See Also

• Acetic acid
• Acetyl-CoA
• Acetylation
• Citric acid cycle
• Histone acetylation

External Links

• Acetyl on Wikipedia
• Acetyl on WikiMD