This enzyme differs from EC 2.3.1.20, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase, by synthesising triacylglycerol using an acyl-CoA-independent mechanism. The specificity of the enzyme for the acyl group in the phospholipid varies with species, e.g., the enzyme from castor bean (Ricinus communis) preferentially incorporates vernoloyl (12,13-epoxyoctadec-9-enoyl) groups into triacylglycerol, whereas that from the hawk’s beard (Crepis palaestina) incorporates both ricinoleoyl (12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoyl) and vernoloyl groups. The enzyme from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae specifically transfers acyl groups from the sn-2 position of the phospholipid to diacylglycerol, thus forming an sn-1-lysophospholipid.
