In: Biology
What percentage of carbon atoms in cholesterol are derived from acetyl-coA?
The synthesis of cholesterol takes place mainly in liver. Cholesterol is key component of cell membranes. It is also precursor of many steroid hormones.
Cholesterol contains 27 carbons. 4 rings along with a side chain is present in cholesterol.
All the 27 carbons of cholesterol are derivatives of acetyl CoA. Hence, 100% carbon atoms of cholesterol are derived from acetyl coA.
The synthesis of cholesterol starts from condensation of two acetyl co A to form Acetoacetyl co A. Then one more acetyl CoA is added to form mevalonate.by enzyme HMG co A reductase. It is rate limiting step in cholesterol synthesis.
Then isoprene units are formed by mevalonate by sequential phosphorylation and decarboxylation.
Afterwards, 6 isoprene units are condensed to form squalene. Later on cyclization of squalene happens to form lanosterol and cholesterol is formed ultimately.
Therefore, all the carbon atoms are contributed by acetyl coA only.