A simple technique for the analysis of positional distribution of fatty acids on di- and triacylglycerols using lipase and phospholipase A2.

A simple technique is described for the analysis of positional distribution of fatty acids on di- and triacylglycerols using lipase and phospholipase A2 that de-esterify fatty acids from specific sn positions. The technique makes use of the fact that methanolic-NaOH methylates only fatty acids esterified to glycerol, while methanolic-HC1 methylates both free and es- terified fatty acids. After lipase action it is possible to determine the fatty acid released by lipase activity by comparing the fatty acid contents of the tm methylation reactions. A computer pro- gram has been written to calculate enzyme activity and posi- tional distribution from the results. The new technique is easier to use as it eliminates thin-layer chromatography used in the standard technique and can be performed on smaller samples using less lipase.-Williams, J. P., M. U. Khan, and D. Wong. A simple technique for the analysis of positional distribution of fatty acids on di- and triacylglycerols using lipase and phospholi-