Biochemistry Questions / Analyse the role of NAD(P)H cofactors in fatty acid biosynthesis, specifically focusing on the enzymes involved in removing and adding functional groups. How do these enzymatic reactions contribute to the elongation of fatty acid chains?

NAD(P)H is used by beta-ketoacyl reductase in the fatty acid biosynthesis elongation cycle. This allows the removal of –OH groups, forming a double bond in the fatty acid chain, while releasing an NAD(P)+ and a water molecule.

Enoyl reductase is able to reduce the double bond formed, if necessary, by adding hydrogens either side.