Propionyl-CoA !

Propionyl-CoA is the 3-carbon remnant left by odd-chain fatty acids and some amino acids; it ends up as succinyl-CoA.

Updated 2026-11-01

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Key facts

Comes from the last β-oxidation turn of odd-chain fatty acids and from valine, isoleucine, methionine and threonine.
Route: propionyl-CoA carboxylase (biotin) → methylmalonyl-CoA → mutase (vitamin B12) → succinyl-CoA.
It is the only part of a fatty acid that can give net glucose (succinyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle).

VIMT + odd chains → propionyl-CoA

Its carboxylase is missing in propionic acidaemia; the mutase, in methylmalonic acidaemia.
In vitamin B12 deficiency methylmalonic acid builds up, a useful marker to tell it from folate deficiency.

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Which two vitamins does turning propionyl-CoA into succinyl-CoA need?

Biotin (propionyl-CoA carboxylase) and vitamin B12 (methylmalonyl-CoA mutase).

Why is propionyl-CoA glucogenic?

It becomes succinyl-CoA, which in the Krebs cycle gives oxaloacetate for gluconeogenesis.

Which amino acids produce propionyl-CoA?

Valine, isoleucine, methionine and threonine ("VIMT").

Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: Propionyl CoA (CID 92753) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; Propionyl-CoA catabolism (Reactome, 2026); Propionic acidemia: MedlinePlus Genetics (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026).

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