Question

Why could a person who is fasting have high levels of acetyl CoA?

Short answer

Mitochondrial acetyl-CoA levels are high. During fasting, cells normally switch from growth to survival mode and change their metabolism to focus on vital functions.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:Given information

We have been given,

Why could a person who is fasting have high levels of acetyl CoA.

Step 2:Explanation

Mitochondrial acetyl-CoA levels are high. During fasting, cells normally switch from growth to survival mode and change their metabolism to focus on vital functions.

However, because gluconeogenesis depletes some intermediates and acetyl-CoA ceases entering the citric acid cycle during fasting, acetyl-CoA builds up in the hepatocyte. Ketogenesis is triggered by the accumulation of acetyl-CoA.