During de novo fatty acid synthesis in the cytoplasm, a significant amount of reducing power is required to convert acetyl-CoA precursors into saturated fatty acids. Which of the following pathways is the primary source of the electrons needed for the reduction steps in this anabolic process?
Show answer and explanation
The answer
Correct answer: A. The pentose phosphate pathway generates the majority of NADPH, which acts as the essential electron donor.
Tested concept: Fatty acid synthesis
Explanation
Fatty acid synthesis is a highly reductive process that requires a significant amount of NADPH. The primary source of this NADPH in the cytoplasm is the pentose phosphate pathway (specifically the oxidative phase), which produces NADPH for various anabolic reactions, including lipid synthesis. NADH and FADH2 are primarily involved in catabolic processes and oxidative phosphorylation, while the electron transport chain is an oxidative pathway.
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