What is the function of the ACADM gene in cellular metabolism?
The ACADM gene provides instructions for making the MCAD enzyme, which is involved in the first step of the fatty acid oxidation process. This process is vital for converting stored fat into energy, especially during periods of fasting. The MCAD enzyme specifically targets medium-chain fatty acids, breaking them down into smaller molecules that can be used by the cell's mitochondria to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
