Principles of Biochemistry, Volume 2 - A. Lehninger 1985

Bioenergetics and Metabolism
Lipid Biosynthesis
Isopentenyl pyrophosphate serves as a precursor for many fat-soluble biomolecules.

Formed from acetyl-CoA, isopentenyl pyrophosphate serves as an activated precursor utilized in the synthesis of numerous biologically vital molecules containing isoprene units (Fig. 21-28). These include Vitamins A, E, and K, carotenoids, rubber, gutta-percha, the phytol side chains of chlorophyll (Chap. 23), various Essential Oils (such as the fragrant compounds found in lemon and eucalyptus oils, as well as musk), and the Hydrocarbons present in turpentine.

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Fig. 21-28. Isopentenyl pyrophosphate is the precursor to numerous isoprenoid compounds, in which isoprene units (highlighted in red) combine in various ways to form linear or cyclic structures.



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