Investigations of the capacity of synthesizing 3β-sterols in mollusca—IV. The biosynthesis of 3β-sterols in some mesogastropods

Abstract

1. 1. The incorporation of sodium acetate-1-14C into some classes of lipids in Viviparus fasciatus (Müller) and Littorina littorea (L.) is investigated. 2. 2. It is demonstrated that these animal utilize the injected acetate for the biosynthesis of fatty acids and non-saponifiable lipids including squalene and 3β-sterols. 3. 3. It is supposed that probably all mesogastropods that have retained the feeding habits of the Archaegastropoda are able to synthesize 3β-sterols. 4. 4. The sterol mixtures of these snails are investigated by means of gas chromatography on different stationary phases and the identity of the components is discussed.