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II. Acetyl CoA -- The Center of Lipid Metabolism

    

Products of Acetyl CoA Metabolism

It can be converted to fatty acids, which in turn give rise to:

• triglycerides (triacylglycerols) Explore
• phospholipids
• eicosanoids (e.g., prostaglandins)
• ketone bodies

It is the precursor of cholesterol, which can be converted to:

• steroid hormones
• bile acids

It produces energy, generated by the complete oxidation of acetyl CoA to carbon dioxide and water through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Explore: The American Heart Association gives consumers information about the risks associated with elevated triglycerides.