Sialic acid uptake by BHK cells and subsequent incorporation into glycoproteins and glycolipids

BHK cells can be grown in the presence of growth medium to which radiolabeled sialic acid has been added. After 24 h, 85% of the radioactivity in the cells is covalently bound to glycoproteins and glycolipids. No metabolism of the radiolabeled sialic acid could be detected.