Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Bioenergetics and Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism
Metabolism of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids
Synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids catalyzed by the ∆9-desaturase system (Fig. 24.2)

It is believed that monounsaturated Fatty acids are formed from saturated fatty acids in various Tissues, including the Liver. The first double bond almost always appears in the ∆9 position of the saturated fatty acid chain. The conversion of palmitoyl-CoA or stearoyl-CoA into palmitoleoyl-CoA or oleoyl-CoA, respectively, is catalyzed by the ∆9-desaturase enzyme system localized in The Endoplasmic reticulum; molecular oxygen and NADH or NADPH are required for this reaction. The Enzymes comprising this system appear to be typical Monooxygenases and function with the participation of cytochrome b5 (hydroxylases).

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Fig. 24.2. Microsomal ∆9-desaturase system.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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