Enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADPH, A-specific)

Enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADPH, A-specific)

Enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADPH, A-specific) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the fatty acid synthesis pathway. This enzyme is responsible for the reduction of enoyl-ACP (acyl-carrier-protein) to acyl-ACP, utilizing NADPH as a cofactor. The enzyme is specific for the A-side of NADPH, distinguishing it from other enoyl-ACP reductases that may use the B-side.

Function

The primary function of enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADPH, A-specific) is to catalyze the reduction of the double bond in enoyl-ACP to form saturated acyl-ACP. This reaction is a key step in the fatty acid biosynthesis process, which is essential for the production of lipids that are vital components of cell membranes and other cellular structures.

Mechanism

The enzyme operates by binding to the enoyl-ACP substrate and NADPH. The hydride ion from NADPH is transferred to the double bond of the enoyl-ACP, resulting in the formation of a saturated acyl-ACP. This reaction is stereospecific, meaning that the enzyme specifically recognizes and interacts with the A-side of NADPH.

Structure

Enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADPH, A-specific) typically consists of a single polypeptide chain. The enzyme's active site contains residues that are crucial for binding NADPH and the enoyl-ACP substrate. The structure of the enzyme allows for the precise positioning of these molecules to facilitate the reduction reaction.

Biological Importance

This enzyme is essential for the biosynthesis of fatty acids, which are necessary for the formation of phospholipids, triglycerides, and other important lipid molecules. These lipids are critical for maintaining the integrity and functionality of cellular membranes, energy storage, and signaling pathways.

Related Enzymes

Enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADPH, A-specific) is part of a larger family of enoyl-ACP reductases, which include:

• Enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADH)
• Enoyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase (NADPH, B-specific)

See Also

• Fatty acid synthesis
• Acyl carrier protein
• NADPH
• Lipid metabolism

Related Pages

• Fatty acid synthesis
• Acyl carrier protein
• NADPH
• Lipid metabolism