| abstract |
Genome DNA and cDNA encoding Δ9-desaturase derived from a microorganism belonging to Mortierella s.p. mortierella, an expression vector and a transformant for expressing the same, and a process for preparing Δ9-desaturase using a gene encoding the enzyme. Introduction of the Δ9-desaturase gene into cells capable of producing an unsaturated fatty acid can enhance the conversion to palmitoleic acid and oleic acid as starting compounds of unsaturated fatty acids, resulting in improved productivity of the unsaturated fatty acids. When a cytochrome b5 gene or a cytochrome b5 reductase gene, i.e., a constituent of a microsomal electron transport system, is combined with the Δ9-desaturase, more efficient production can be expected. Further, the Δ9-desaturase can be efficiently produced by a recombinant DNA method. |