Modification of Palmitate and Essential Fatty Acids

Vocabulary flashcards covering enzymes, fatty acids, and drug actions associated with palmitate modification and eicosanoid synthesis.

Elongases

Enzymes located in the ER and mitochondria that extend fatty acyl chains by adding two-carbon units, converting palmitate (C16) into longer fatty acids.

Desaturases

Enzymes that introduce double bonds into fatty acid chains

Essential Fatty Acids

Linoleic acid (delta 9,12-octadecadienoic acid) is a required precursor of prostaglandins and other eicosanoids. Linoleic acid and linolenic acid must be obtained in the diet

Arachidonic Acid

20:4 (delta 5, 8, 11, 14) fatty acid. Creates prostaglandin H2, which is essential for renewing stomach lining, pain, fever and inflammation. Prostaglandin H2 also creates Phromboxane A2, which encourages clotting.

Cyclooxygenase (Prostaglandin H2 Synthase)

COX1/COX2 dimer that has a catalytic site with Ser 529. It takes up archidonic acid, which is converted into PGH2 → Thromboxane A2 → platelet activation. It can be permanently blocked by aspirin to prevent clotting and reduce pain, fever, and inflammation

Fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by mammals

Linoleate, a-Linolenate (omega-6 and omega-3) that must be acquired through the diet.