Part:BBa_K4989000

Application in the field of biology: The thl gene codes for an enzyme named acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase which belongs in the family of the thiolases. This is the key enzyme for the condensation of two molecules of acetyl-CoA, which are produced from the glycolysis path, and the acetoacetyl-CoA production [3]. This is a reaction that thermodynamically itself is not favored. It starts with the acylation of a nucleophilic cysteine at the active site by acetyl-CoA (or a different acyl group) with the release of the CoA group. Then the acyl group is transferred to an acetyl-CoA molecule (picture of the reaction).