Biochemistry Questions Biochemistry Questions / Explain the role of acetyl CoA in carrying carbon units and its significance in the link reaction and fatty acid biosynthesis.

Acetyl CoA is able to carry C2 units, binding the carbons by thioester bond to the terminal sulfur. Due to thioester bonds being weaker than normal ester bonds, it is possible to transfer the acetyl group onwards.

This is frequently used in the link reaction and fatty acid biosynthesis.