docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Scientific Name	CAS Registry No.
4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid	6217-54-5
Molecular Name	Common Name
(all-Z)-4,7,10,13,16,19-Docosahexaenoic acid; all-cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid; cervonic acid	docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Other Names

2-D Structure

Biosynthetic Pathway
Synthesized via a three step process, wherein 22:5n3 is elongated to 24:5n3, desaturated by the delta-6 desaturase to 24:6n3, and translocated to the peroxisome where it is chain-shortened by two carbons to 22:6n3. 22:6n3 produced in the peroxisome is sel
Distribution in...
Tissues	Lipid Classes
Enriched in heart and neural tissue	Common in all phospholipids and in rodent cholesterol esters. DHA is particularly enriched in cardiolipin and phosphatidylethanolamine.
Bioactive Products	Dietary Sources
	mainly in fish and marine microorganisms and plants; DHA is also an essential component of the brain, eyes, and other nervous system tissues; marine oils
Links/References