Coenzyme A (free acid)

Coenzyme A is a coenzyme, notable for its role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, and the oxidation of pyruvate in the citric acid cycle. Coenzyme A is adapted from cysteamine, pantothenate, and adenosine triphosphate. Since coenzyme A is chemically a thiol, Coenzyme A can react with carboxylic acids to form thioesters, thus functioning as an acyl group carrier. Coenzyme A assists in transferring fatty acids from the cytoplasm to mitochondria. A molecule of coenzyme A carrying an acetyl group is also referred to as acetyl-CoA. When it is not attached to an acyl group, it is usually referred to as CoASH or HSCoA.