The major cytochrome in microsomal membrane preparations from developing seeds of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius, var High Linoleate), has a reduced-minus-oxidized difference spectrum characteristic of a b-type cytochrome, and was identified from its midpoint-potential (E'7.2) value as cytochrome b5. Cytochromes P-450 and P-420 were also present. The cytochrome b5 content of microsomal preparations from a number of oilseed species was found to be in the order of 200-300 pmol/mg of protein. The cytochrome b5 was reduced in the membrane preparations by NADH, demonstrating the presence of an NADH: cytochrome b5 reductase; NADPH was a less effective donor. Microsomal membranes catalysed the NAD(P)H-dependent conversion of radioactive oleate into linoleate, indicating acyl-CoA: lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase and 1-acyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine delta 12-desaturase (delta 12-desaturase) activity. Desaturation of oleate to linoleate was unaffected by CO, but inhibited by CN-. The addition of oleoyl-CoA to the NADH-reduced membranes resulted in the CN(-)-sensitive partial re-oxidation of cytochrome b5, indicating that electrons from NADH were transferred to the site of desaturation via this cytochrome. The delta 12-desaturase in safflower, therefore, is CN(-)-sensitive and appears to require cytochrome b5 and NADH: cytochrome b5 reductase for activity.