Biosynthesis of the chlorosulpholipids of Ochromonas danica

Radioactively labelled acetate and malonate have been shown to be readily incorporated into the chlorosulpholipids of Ochromonas danica. Even-numbered, saturated fatty acids (6C-16C) are also readily incorporated but their efficiency of incorporation increases with increasing chain length. Oleic and linoleic acids are poorly incorporated. Docosane-1,14-disulphate-13-¹⁴C] is readily chlorinated to give mono- to hexa-chloro-derivatives. Evidence is presented to show that chlorination of the chlorosulpholipids is a sequential process.