title: Preliminary characterization of the delta-9 desaturase of Tetrahymena pyriformis W.
abstract: 1. In vitro assay conditions have been defined for measurement of delta 9 desaturase activity in Tetrahymena pyriformis W. 2. The reaction depends on the presence of oxygen and a reduced pyridine nucleotide cofactor. FAD supports a low level of enzymatic activity. 3. Both stearyl-CoA and palmityl-CoA are acceptable substrates. Oleate formation is maximal at 30 degrees C. 4. Delta-9 desaturase activity appears to be localized in the microsomal fraction. Delta-6 and/or delta 12 desaturase activities have also been observed. 5. When the specificity of the delta 9 desaturase towards stearyl-CoA and palmityl-CoA was observed at 30 and 16 degrees C it was found that lowering the assay temperature did not affect specificity. Stearyl-CoA was more readily desaturated at both temperatures. 6. Exogenous oleyl-CoA and diisopropylfluorophosphate had little effect on delta 9 desaturase activity. However, cyanide strongly inhibited desaturation and a sensitivity to sulfhydryl-binding reagents has also been demonstrated.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases / Q000032:analysis*; D013230:Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase / Q000032:analysis* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D013696:Temperature; D013769:Tetrahymena pyriformis / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases; D013230:Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase