Coenzyme A is a cofactor that helps proteins carry out their biological function. It is important for oxidizing and synthesizing fatty acids and maintaining the citric acid cycle. It can be taken as a supplement, but its effectiveness is not fully evaluated by the FDA. It is also used in chemical experiments and can be purchased from companies like Sigma-Aldrich.
Coenzyme A is, not surprisingly, a coenzyme. It is also known as a cofactor. The terms cofactor and coenzyme can be used interchangeably. They are chemical compounds that are attached to proteins in the body. Without a bound cofactor, a protein cannot carry out its biological function.
Cofactors are also known as helper molecules, and are often classified according to how tightly they are attached to their protein partner. Tightly bound cofactors are known as prosthetic groups, and loosely bound cofactors are generally called broader-term coenzymes. The first cofactor was isolated in 1906, in yeast, but cofactors can be organic or inorganic.
The most important function of coenzyme A is to help oxidize and synthesize fatty acids. It is also used as a substrate in the enzymes of all sequenced genomes, and is used in 4% of cellular enzymes. Furthermore, this substance is responsible for helping to maintain the citric acid cycle, oxidizing pyruvate. This coenzyme begins its life as a pantothenate and is converted through a five-step process into a usable form.
Chemically, coenzyme A is a thiol. This means that it contains a functional group that has a sulfur-hydrogen (SH) bond. These are often called thiol groups or sulfhydryl groups, but were originally known as mercaptans. Typically, a thiol has a strong odor, often similar to garlic. The lower the molecular weight of the thiol, the more intense the odor. It is a thiol, known as t-butyl mercaptan, which is used to scent natural gas.
Coenzyme A is produced in the body, but it can also be taken as a nutritional supplement. In theory, the intake of this compound results in less stress and slower aging, a strengthened immune system and accelerated production of energy from fats in the body. These supplements are taken once a day in tablet or capsule form, on an empty stomach. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated many of the claims made by commercial retailers of the substance, and there has been limited research into its effectiveness as a supplement.
Interest in using this coenzyme in chemical experiments is also growing, with a number of companies producing various varieties of coenzyme A for laboratory use. Originally, this compound had to be synthesized in a laboratory and required a considerable amount of time. Companies like Sigma-Aldrich now offer short-, medium-, and long-chain versions of Coenzyme A for purchase.
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