acyl-CoA 11-(Z)-desaturase

The enzyme introduces a cis double bond at position C-11 of saturated fatty acyl-CoAs. In moths the enzyme participates in the biosynthesis of their sex pheromones. The enzyme from the marine microalga Thalassiosira pseudonana is specific for palmitoyl-CoA (16:0), that from the leafroller moth Choristoneura rosaceana desaturates myristoyl-CoA (14:0), while that from the moth Spodoptera littoralis accepts both substrates. The enzyme contains three histidine boxes that are conserved in all desaturases. It is membrane-bound, and contains a cytochrome b5-like domain at the N-terminus that serves as the electron donor for the active site of the desaturase.

• Supplier: Creative Enzymes
• Product #: EXWM-1013