What are the steps of lipogenesis?

The steps of lipogenesis are described in numerical order below. 

1. The process starts with the conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, facilitated by the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase. This step occurs mainly in liver cells but also in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
2. Malonyl-CoA molecules are added repeatedly to a growing fatty acid chain, leading to the formation of palmitic acid. This process requires energy to proceed.
3. Enzymes called elongases and desaturases further modify the fatty acid chain, leading to the synthesis of stearic acid.
4. De novo lipogenesis from carbohydrates involves significant energy loss as heat, regardless of whether the synthesized fat is used for energy or stored as triglycerides.
5. Insulin then stimulates the process, while excess glucagon secretion and cellular energy depletion hinder it. The activity is modulated by 5’ AMP-activated protein kinase.