What about squalene in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris?

Abstract

1. 1. It is shown that Lumbricus terrestris does not utilize 14C-labelled squalene for the biosynthesis of sterols.

2. 2. The squalene administered was metabolized rapidly and radioactivity was recovered in several lipids, making it unlikely that accumulation of radioactivity in squalene might occur.

3. 3. The distribution of radioactivity in the hydrocarbons of L. terrestris after the administration of sodium acetate-1-14C was investigated.

4. 4. Both saturated and unsaturated straight-chain and branched hydrocarbons were radioactive.

5. 5. Squalene was present in a very small quantity and may be of exogenous origin.