Question

Palmitic acid is a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid. How many molecules of acetyl-CoA are formed from one molecule of palmitic acid?

Short answer

8 molecules of acetyl CoA are formed from 1 molecule of palmitic acid.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Palmitic acid

The molecular formula for the palmitic acid is ${\mathbf{C}}_{16}{\mathbf{H}}_{32}{\mathbf{O}}_2$. It is a saturated fatty acid generally found in the human body. It can also be provided by diet or carbohydrates and amino acids.

Palmitic acid is used in the preparation of soaps and cosmetics.

Numbers of molecules of acetyl-CoA form

Palmitic acid is a 16 carbon compound. The acetyl group of acetyl CoA has two carbons. 8 molecules of acetyl CoA are formed from 1 molecule of palmitic acid.