The following experiments are carried out using a pure preparation of the enzyme that catalyzes palmitate synthesis from acetyl CoA and malonyl CoA in the presence of all the cofactors required for reaction.
a) If the acetyl CoA is labeled at the methyl carbon with tritium, and malonyl CoA is unlabeled, how many tritium atoms will be incorporated into each molecule of palmitate formed?
b) If malonyl CoA is supplied in the form of -OOC^3H2COSCoA, and acetyl CoA is unlabeled, how many tritium atoms will be incorporated into each molecule of palmitate formed?