Oil is a triglyceride - so called because it is made up of three molecules of a family of chemicals called fatty acids, attached to a single molecule of the chemical glycerol. The three fatty acids found in a particular oil may be the same or different. By changing the proportions of fatty acids, researchers can create tailor-made oils for specific industrial uses. Canola is relatively easy to alter genetically. They have also created many tailor-made varieties of this oilseed by adding genes for different fatty acids.
Laurate canola is a recent example.
It has been genetically engineered to contain high levels of lauric acid, a fatty acid from a tree called the California Bay. Lauric acid, or laurate, is used to make detergents and soaps. Researchers are also hoping to transplant the gene for ricinoleic acid from the castor bean tree into canola. The tree can only be grown in warm climates like India. A North American source of ricinoleic acid would be useful to manufacturers of detergents, cosmetics, greases, and lubricants.