9(Z),12(E)-Octadecadienoic acid (CAS 2420-55-5)

9(Z),12(E)-Octadecadienoic acid, with the CAS number 2420-55-5, is a unique polyunsaturated fatty acid characterized by its 18-carbon chain and two double bonds, which are specifically configured as 9-cis and 12-trans. This geometric arrangement provides a distinctive molecular structure that influences the physical and chemical properties of the fatty acid, making it a subject of interest in various research fields, particularly in studies related to lipid biochemistry and cell membrane dynamics. The cis-trans configuration of 9(Z),12(E)-Octadecadienoic acid affects the way it integrates into cellular membranes, altering their fluidity and the spatial orientation of fatty acid chains. This, in turn, impacts membrane-dependent processes such as nutrient transport, signal transduction, and the activity of membrane-bound proteins. Researchers utilize this fatty acid to explore the effects of fatty acid composition on membrane structure and function, providing insights into how cells adapt their lipid profiles in response to environmental changes. Additionally, this fatty acid serves as a tool in studying the enzymatic activities involved in fatty acid desaturation and elongation, crucial aspects of lipid metabolism. Through these studies, 9(Z),12(E)-Octadecadienoic acid aids in understanding the complex interactions within cell membranes and their implications for cellular health and behavior.