Elongases in Lipid Biosynthesis

The video explains the process of fatty acid elongation, highlighting that fatty acid synthase can only produce fatty acids up to 16 carbons long. To elongate fatty acids beyond this, the body uses an enzyme complex called elongases, located in the smooth ER. Elongases function similarly to fatty acid synthase but use Coenzyme A instead of an acyl carrier protein. The video also discusses the role of desaturases in adding double bonds to fatty acids, which elongases and synthase do not perform.

What is the maximum number of carbons that fatty acid synthase can produce in a fatty acid?

• 12 carbons

• 14 carbons

• 16 carbons

• 18 carbons

Which enzyme complex is responsible for elongating fatty acids beyond 16 carbons?

• Lipase

• Fatty acid synthase

• Elongase

• Desaturase

What is the role of Coenzyme A in the elongation process?

• It acts as a carrier protein.

• It adds double bonds to fatty acids.

• It replaces the acyl carrier protein.

• It is a two-carbon donor.

How many carbons are added to a fatty acid chain during each cycle of elongation?

• Two carbons

• Three carbons

• Four carbons

• One carbon

What is the main difference between the mechanisms of fatty acid synthase and elongase?

• Elongase uses acyl carrier protein.

• Elongase uses Coenzyme A instead of acyl carrier protein.

• Elongase adds double bonds.

• Elongase is located in the mitochondria.

Which enzyme is responsible for adding double bonds to fatty acids?

• Fatty acid synthase

• Elongase

• Desaturase

• Hydrolase

What is the function of desaturases in fatty acid metabolism?

• They add double bonds to fatty acids.

• They break down fatty acids.

• They synthesize fatty acids.

• They elongate fatty acids.