acetyl coenzyme A

acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA) A compound formed in the mitochondria when an acetyl group (CH₃CO–), derived from the breakdown of fats, proteins, or carbohydrates (via glycolysis), combines with the thiol group (–SH) of coenzyme A. Acetyl CoA feeds into the energy generating Krebs cycle and also plays a role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.