Desaturase Genes And Their Use (Patent CA 2311472 A1)

cDNA encoding C. elegans .DELTA.6 desaturase has been cloned and sequenced, and the .DELTA.6 desaturase amino acid sequence has been determined. The C. elegans .DELTA.6 desaturase has a surprisingly low level of sequence identity with the known borage .DELTA.6 desaturase. The C. elegans .DELTA.6 desaturase has been expressed in yeast. It and other desaturases can be cloned in host organisms (e.g. plants) and can be used to provide useful metabolites.