Isopalmitic acid (CAS 4669-02-7)

Isopalmitic acid, also known as 14-methylpentadecanoic acid, is a branched-chain fatty acid that has been extensively studied for its role in lipid biochemistry and membrane biology. This fatty acid is characterized by a methyl branch at the 14th carbon position, which significantly influences its integration and behavior within lipid bilayers. Research has shown that isopalmitic acid can alter membrane fluidity, phase behavior, and the organization of lipid microdomains. These changes affect the function of membrane-associated proteins, including receptors, enzymes, and transporters, thereby influencing various cellular processes such as signal transduction and membrane transport. In biochemical studies, isopalmitic acid is used to investigate the activity and specificity of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism, such as elongases and desaturases. Its branched structure provides insights into the biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms governing the synthesis and modification of branched-chain fatty acids. Additionally, isopalmitic acid serves as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), for the identification and quantification of branched-chain fatty acids in complex biological samples. Overall, isopalmitic acid is a valuable tool in lipid research, contributing to our understanding of the structural and functional roles of branched-chain fatty acids in biological membranes and their broader implications in cellular biochemistry.