Arachidonic Acid (all-cis-5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic acid)

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is an important precursor of the eicosanoids, which include the prostaglandins, the leukotrienes and the thromboxanes.

Arachidonic acid is formed as arachidonyl-CoA from 8,11,14 eicosatrienoyl-CoA (Figure 18.33). The essential fatty acid linoleic acid is an important precursor of arachidonic acid.

See also: Prostaglandin Biosynthesis

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. 3D Structure

> 2. Prostaglandin and Leukotriene Metabolism