9(E),12(Z)-Octadecadienoic acid (CAS 2420-42-0)

9(E),12(Z)-Octadecadienoic acid, designated by the CAS number 2420-42-0, is a polyunsaturated fatty acid characterized by its 18-carbon backbone and two double bonds situated at the 9th and 12th carbon positions, with the 9th double bond in the E (trans) configuration and the 12th in the Z (cis) configuration. This unique structural arrangement imbues the molecule with specific physicochemical properties that are of great interest in the field of lipid research, especially concerning the study of lipid membranes and fatty acid metabolism. The distinct configuration of double bonds in 9(E),12(Z)-Octadecadienoic acid affects how it is incorporated into cell membranes, influencing their fluidity, permeability, and overall structural integrity. These alterations can significantly impact membrane-associated functions, such as cellular signaling, transport mechanisms, and interaction with other biomolecules. In research, this fatty acid is extensively used to probe the dynamics of lipid behavior in cellular systems, including how changes in the lipid environment can affect cellular responses and adaptability. Additionally, it serves as a critical tool in enzymology studies focused on understanding the specificities of desaturase and elongase enzymes, which are involved in the biosynthesis and modification of unsaturated fatty acids. Through these studies, insights into the fundamental processes governing cellular lipid management and its implications for cell function are gained.