acetic acid

(ethanoic acid) A weak organic acid, formula CH3COOH. Acetic acid can be used as an alternative carbon source by certain algae (e.g. Chlamydomonas mundana and species of Chlorellа), while green algae of the genus Chlamydobotrys are totally dependent on acetic acid as a carbon source. In combination with coenzyme A (see acetyl CoA) acetic acid plays a central role in aerobic energy metabolism.