Palmitoyl-CoA is a fatty acyl-CoA molecule derived from palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms. It plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of lipids and the production of energy. As a key intermediate, palmitoyl-CoA is involved in the formation of complex lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. In addition to its role in lipid metabolism, palmitoyl-CoA is important for protein palmitoylation, a post-translational modification that affects protein function and localization. This modification can influence cellular signaling pathways and is essential for maintaining cellular health and function.