The sequence of reactions for the synthesis of fatty acid (palmitate) is shown below. The carbon chain attached to ACP is transferred to cysteine residue, and reactions 1 to 4 are repeated 6 more times. Each time, the fatty acid chain is lengthened by a two-carbon unit. At the end of the seventh cycle, the fatty acid synthesis is completed, and a 16-carbon fully saturated fatty acid (palmitate) bound to ACP is produced. The enzyme thioesterase separates palmitate from fatty acid synthase. This completes the synthesis of palmitate.

8Acetyl-CoA + 7 ATP + 14 NADPH + 14 H⁺

Palmitate 8 CoA + 7ADP + 7Pi + 6H₂O + 7CO₂