4. Give an overview of how fatty acids are synthesised in vivo and explain how the...

4. Give an overview of how fatty acids are synthesised in vivo and explain how the process
is affected in diabetes. Precise details of the pathway are not required.
(10 marks – 300 words)

Expert Solution

Fatty acid synthesis is the creation of fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and NADPH through the action of enzymes called fatty acid synthases. This process takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. Most of the acetyl-CoA which is converted into fatty acids is derived from carbohydrates via the glycolytic pathway.

Fatty acid synthesis is a critical anabolic pathway in most organisms. In addition to being the major component of membranes, fatty acids are important energy storage molecules, and fatty acyl derivatives possess a variety of physiological functions, including post-translational modification of numerous proteins.

Fatty acids are normally synthesized from acetyl-CoA, a process that requires ATP, biotin, Mg++, and Mn++. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis, is inhibited by glucagon and epinephrine, and stimulated by insulin. Intermediates in fatty acid biosynthesis are attached to acyl carrier protein (ACP). Malonyl-CoA serves as an activated donor of acetyl groups in fatty acid biosynthesis. Propionate (C3) may be used in place of acetate (C2) as a priming molecule for fatty acid biosynthesis in adipocytes and in the lactating mammary gland. Fatty acid elongation beyond palmitate takes place in mitochondria, or on the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Animals are capable of synthesizing all of the FAs they need except for the essential FAs, which must be supplied through the diet. The hexose monophosphate shunt, malic enzyme, and cytoplasmic isocitrate dehydrogenase assist in providing NADPH for palmitate biosynthesis. Fatty acid biosynthesis occurs in adipocytes of ruminant animals, and in the liver of non-ruminant animals.

During diabetes, Insulin inhibits breakdown of fat in adipose tissue by inhibiting the intracellular lipase that hydrolyzes triglycerides to release fatty acids. Insulin facilitates entry of glucose into adipocytes, and within those cells, glucose can be used to synthesize glycerol.

gladiator answered 1 year ago

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