Enoyl-coa hydratase

Definition

Enoyl-CoA hydratase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydration of enoyl-CoA derivatives to form 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA in the beta-oxidation pathway of fatty acid metabolism. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the degradation of fatty acids, facilitating their conversion into acetyl-CoA, which is then utilized for energy production and various metabolic processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enoyl-CoA hydratase is part of the fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway, specifically facilitating the conversion of trans-enoyl-CoA to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA.
2. The reaction catalyzed by enoyl-CoA hydratase involves the addition of water across a double bond in the enoyl-CoA substrate.
3. This enzyme is crucial for the complete oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, ensuring efficient energy production from lipid sources.
4. Deficiencies or mutations in enoyl-CoA hydratase can lead to metabolic disorders, affecting lipid metabolism and overall energy homeostasis.
5. Enoyl-CoA hydratase is found in various organisms, emphasizing its evolutionary importance in energy metabolism.

Review Questions

• How does enoyl-CoA hydratase contribute to the beta-oxidation pathway?
  • Enoyl-CoA hydratase plays a vital role in the beta-oxidation pathway by catalyzing the hydration of trans-enoyl-CoA to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA. This reaction is essential for the breakdown of fatty acids, allowing them to be converted into acetyl-CoA for energy production. Without this enzyme, the efficient oxidation of fatty acids would be impaired, highlighting its importance in lipid metabolism.
• What are the implications of enoyl-CoA hydratase deficiencies on lipid metabolism?
  • Deficiencies in enoyl-CoA hydratase can lead to serious metabolic disorders that disrupt lipid metabolism. When this enzyme is not functioning correctly, it can result in the accumulation of unmetabolized fatty acids, leading to a range of health issues such as hypoglycemia and muscle weakness. Understanding these implications is crucial for diagnosing and managing metabolic disorders related to fatty acid oxidation.
• Evaluate how enoyl-CoA hydratase's function impacts overall energy homeostasis in cells.
  • Enoyl-CoA hydratase's function is critical for maintaining energy homeostasis within cells by enabling the efficient breakdown of fatty acids through beta-oxidation. As this enzyme facilitates the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, it allows cells to generate ATP, particularly during periods of fasting or high-energy demand. A disruption in its activity can lead to decreased energy availability and metabolic imbalances, ultimately affecting cellular functions and overall organism health.

Related terms

Beta-oxidation: A metabolic process that breaks down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA units, generating energy in the form of ATP.

Fatty Acid: Carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, which are key components of lipids and serve as important energy sources.

Acetyl-CoA: A central metabolite formed from the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which enters the citric acid cycle for energy production.