title: Fatty acid desaturase specificity of Tetrahymena.
abstract: The ciliate, Tetrahymena, was provided a supplement of the fatty acid [1-14 C]18:2 delta 6.9. After a period of growth the cells were claimed, the lipids extracted, the polar lipids recovered and the mild alkali-labile fatty acid methyl esters generated. The fatty acids were resolved by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), the 18:3 delta 6.9,12(gamma-linolenic acid) was recovered and its identity verified by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas liquid chromatography (GLC), hydrogenation and oxidation. Fifty-three percent of the cell-associated label was found in gamma-linolenic acid; thus, a delta 12 fatty acid desaturase converts the 6,9 octadecadienoic acid to the 6,9,12 derivative. No carboxyl or methyl terminus restriction appears on delta 9 monoenoic or dienoic fatty acid desaturation in this cell as is found in higher plants and animals.
mesh_terms: D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D013768:Tetrahymena / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; C027369:octadecadienoic acid; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases