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 happens to palmitate after it is synthesized by fatty acid synthase?

Explain the process of hydrolyzing palmitate and its significance in fatty acid elongation.

What is the significance of Coenzyme A in the elongation of fatty acids?