Summary
Fatty acid synthase builds fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA using NADPH.
In depth
Fatty acid synthase builds palmitate from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA, using NADPH. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is the control step, activated by insulin and inhibited by AMPK. Triglycerides are assembled in liver and adipose tissue.
Fatty acids are made in the cytoplasm; beta-oxidation occurs in mitochondria; separate pathways avoid futile cycling. Triglycerides are made from glycerol-3-phosphate and fatty acyl-CoA.
Remember: carbohydrate excess is converted to fat.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lipid Biosynthesis?
Fatty acid synthase builds fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA using NADPH.
Which area of biology covers Lipid Biosynthesis, and how advanced is it?
Lipid Biosynthesis is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Beta-Oxidation, Glucose as Fuel, Anabolism and Catabolism.
Can you give an example of Lipid Biosynthesis?
Excess carbohydrate becomes fat.
What should I learn before Lipid Biosynthesis?
Work through the Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics first, such as Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP, then return to Lipid Biosynthesis. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Lipid Biosynthesis?
The closest topics to Lipid Biosynthesis are Beta-Oxidation, Glucose as Fuel, Anabolism and Catabolism, Ketone Body Metabolism. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Lipid Biosynthesis?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Lipid Biosynthesis. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
How is Lipid Biosynthesis different from Beta-Oxidation?
Lipid Biosynthesis: Fatty acid synthase builds fatty acids from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA using NADPH. Beta-Oxidation: Fatty acids are broken into acetyl-CoA two carbons at a time for use in the Krebs cycle. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Lipid Biosynthesis step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Beta-Oxidation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.