Myristic Acid (CAS 544-63-8)

Myristic Acid, a saturated fatty acid consisting of 14 carbon atoms, plays a unique role in cellular processes as a substrate for certain fatty acid desaturases. Commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, myristic acid is integral to various biological functions, including cell membrane formation, signal transduction, and energy metabolism. Its synthesis from other fatty acids is for generating a diverse range of products, such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, and cosmetics. The scientific applications of myristic acid encompass a broad spectrum of research areas. It serves as a tool for investigating the impact of fatty acid metabolism on the body and the role of fatty acids in signal transduction and cell membrane formation. Moreover, myristic acid enables the exploration of how fatty acids influence the structure and function of proteins and enzymes. Through a process known as N-terminal myristoylation, myristic acid can acylate proteins by covalently binding to N-terminal glycine residues, which activates and mediates numerous physiological pathways. Furthermore, saturated fatty acids, including myristic acid, have been observed to be vital for the biological activities of lipopolysaccharides. They can also induce the expression of COX-2 and activate NFκB (nuclear factor κB). In summary, myristic acid plays an essential role in diverse biological processes and serves as useful in scientific research to elucidate its effects and implications.