The Rate-Limiting Step in Fatty Acid Synthesis Is

Question

The rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis is:
A) condensation of acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA.
B) formation of acetyl-CoA from acetate.
C) formation of malonyl-CoA from malonate and coenzyme A.
D) the reaction catalyzed by acetyl-CoA carboxylase.
E) the reduction of the acetoacetyl group to a $\beta$-hydroxybutyryl group.

Accepted Answer

The rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis is catalyzed by acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which converts acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. This step is regulated by external signals such as hormonal and nutritional factors.