Stearoyl-CoA desaturase that utilizes O(2) and electrons from reduced cytochrome b5 to introduce the first double bond into saturated fatty acyl-CoA substrates (PubMed:2892838, PubMed:7947684). Catalyzes the insertion of a cis double bond at the Delta-9 position into fatty acyl-CoA substrates including palmitoyl-CoA and stearoyl-CoA (PubMed:2892838, PubMed:7947684). Gives rise to a mixture of 16:1 and 18:1 unsaturated fatty acids. Plays an important role in lipid biosynthesis. Plays an important role in regulating the expression of genes that are involved in lipogenesis and in regulating mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (By similarity). Plays an important role in body energy homeostasis (By similarity). Contributes to the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids, cholesterol esters and triglycerides (PubMed:7947684). Required for normal development of sebaceous glands. Required for the biosynthesis of normal levels of Delta-9 unsaturated fatty acids and 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol in the Harderian gland. Required for normal production of meibum, an oily material that prevents drying of the cornea (By similarity). 2 Fe(II)-[cytochrome b5] + 2 H(+) + O2 + octadecanoyl-CoA = (9Z)-octadecenoyl-CoA + 2 Fe(III)-[cytochrome b5] + 2 H2O Expected to bind 2 Fe(2+) ions per subunit. Detected in liver (at protein level) (PubMed:2892838). Detected in adipose tissue. Detected in liver when rats are kept on a fat-free diet, but not when their food contains unsaturated fatty acids. Up-regulated in liver in the absence of dietary unsaturated fatty acids(PubMed:1982442). Expression in adipose tissue seems to be constitutive (PubMed:1982442). The histidine box domains are involved in binding the catalytic metal ions. Desaturase has a half-life of only 4 hours. Belongs to the fatty acid desaturase type 1 family.