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Multiple Choice
How many malonyl-CoA molecules are required to synthesize a 20-carbon long fatty acid?
A
11
B
10
C
9
D
8
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that fatty acid synthesis involves the addition of two-carbon units to a growing fatty acid chain.
Recognize that malonyl-CoA is the two-carbon donor in the fatty acid synthesis process, contributing two carbons to the chain each cycle after decarboxylation.
Calculate the number of two-carbon units needed to synthesize a 20-carbon fatty acid. Since the initial acetyl-CoA provides the first two carbons, the remaining 18 carbons must come from malonyl-CoA.
Divide the remaining 18 carbons by 2 to determine the number of malonyl-CoA molecules required, as each malonyl-CoA contributes two carbons.
Conclude that 9 malonyl-CoA molecules are needed to provide the 18 carbons required to synthesize a 20-carbon fatty acid.