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Desaturation

Process of converting a saturated compound to an unsaturated one.

Introduction of a double bond into a fatty acid by desaturase enzymes (e.g., Δ9, Δ6, Δ5 desaturases). Humans cannot introduce double bonds beyond carbon 9, making linoleic and α-linolenic acids essential.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary

    Introduction of a double bond into a fatty acid by desaturase enzymes (e.g., Δ9, Δ6, Δ5 desaturases). Humans cannot introduce double bonds beyond carbon 9, making linoleic and α-linolenic acids essential.

Related terms

Eicosanoids, Elongation