Absence of cholesterol synthesis as contrasted with the presence of fatty acid synthesis in some arthropods

Abstract

1. 1. After administration of acetate-1-14C absence of cholesterol synthesis was demonstrated in the lobster Homarus gammarus (L.), the spider Avicularia avicularia (L.) and in the millepede Graphidostreptus tumuliporus (Karsch).

2. 2. However, the animals utilize acetate for the synthesis of fatty acids (except for polyunsaturated ones) and for some non-saponifiable lipids.

3. 3. Gas-liquid chromatography analyses demonstrated even- and odd-numbered fatty acids, saturated and unsaturated ones, iso, anteiso and probably neo-branched-chain fatty acids.

4. 4. The fatty-acid composition of the mixtures from the animals and the biosynthesis of the fatty acids are discussed.