coenzyme A
noun Biochemistry.
a coenzyme, composed of a phosphorylated derivative of pantothenic acid linked to adenylic acid, that participates in the transfer of acyl groups in fatty acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Abbreviation: CoA
Origin of coenzyme A
First recorded in 1935–40
British Dictionary definitions for coenzyme a
coenzyme A
noun
a constituent of biological cells that functions as the agent of acylation in metabolic reactions
Abbreviation: CoA
Medical definitions for coenzyme a
coenzyme A
n.
A coenzyme present in all living cells that functions as an acyl group carrier and is necessary for fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, pyruvate oxidation, and other acetylation.
Scientific definitions for coenzyme a
coenzyme A
A coenzyme that consists of a nucleotide linked to pantothenic acid (part of the vitamin B complex), is present in all living cells, and functions as an acyl group carrier. Coenzyme A is necessary for fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, pyruvate oxidation, and other acetylation reactions. In cellular respiration, each of two acetyl groups derived from the original glucose molecule attaches itself to coenzyme A as acetyl coenzyme A and then enters the Krebs cycle.