Elongation and desaturation of fatty acids.

The n-9-series is endogenously derived from stearate. The n-7-series is endogenously derived from palmitate. Starting point for the n-6- and the n-3-series are linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, respectively, which are not synthesized endogenously and must be taken up as essential fatty acids through the diet. Adapted from (14). D5D: delta-5 desaturase; D6D: delta-6 desaturase; ELOVL: elongation of long chain fatty acids; FAS: fatty acid synthase; SCD: stearoyl-CoA desaturase.