Biochemical Physiological Actions
: The principal biologically active forms of pantothenic acid are coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). In CoA, the business center of the molecule is the pantothenic acid metabolite 4'-phosphopantetheine. Coenzyme A is comprised of 4'-phosphopantetheine linked by an anhydride bond to the nucloetide adenosine 5'-monophosphate. 4'-Phosphopantetheine itself is comprised of pantothenic acid linked at one end, via an amide bond, to beta-mercaptoethylamine, derived from L-cysteine, and at the other end to a phosphate group. The sulfhydryl group of 4'-phosphopantetheine, which is the business end of the coenzyme, forms thioesters with acyl groups producing acyl-CoA derivatives, including acetyl-CoA.Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential metabolic cofactor synthesized from cysteine, pantothenate, and ATP. CoA plays important roles in many metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids. One of the main functions of CoA is the carrying and transfer of acyl groups. Acylated deriviates, for example acetyl-CoA, are critical intermediates in many metabolic reactions. CoA levels can be altered during starvation, and in conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and alcoholism.