5(E),9(Z),12(Z)-Octadecatrienoic acid (CAS 2441-53-4)

5(E),9(Z),12(Z)-Octadecatrienoic acid, registered under CAS number 2441-53-4, is a polyunsaturated fatty acid distinguished by its 18-carbon chain and three double bonds positioned at the 5th, 9th, and 12th carbons, with specific geometric configurations: one in the E (trans) and two in the Z (cis) formation. This structural complexity gives the molecule unique physical and chemical properties that are of interest in biochemical and nutritional research. As a polyunsaturated fatty acid, it plays a crucial role in the modulation of membrane dynamics, influencing membrane fluidity, flexibility, and the function of membrane-bound proteins and enzymes. In research settings, 5(E),9(Z),12(Z)-Octadecatrienoic acid is often used to study the impact of fatty acid composition on cellular membranes and the resultant effects on cellular signaling and metabolic pathways. This fatty acid is also crucial for understanding the mechanisms of lipid peroxidation, a process where free radicals steal electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, potentially leading to cell damage. This research is vital for elucidating the fundamental processes that underpin cellular responses to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the fatty acid is used in studies focusing on the biosynthesis and metabolism of fatty acids within organisms, providing insights into how cells regulate these critical compounds and maintain cellular health.