The biosynthesis of sterols in higher plants |
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Authors: | L J Goad and T W Goodwin |
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Institution: | Department of Biochemistry and Agricultural Biochemistry, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth |
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Abstract: | 1. 2-(14)C]Mevalonate was incorporated into squalene and the major phytosterols of pea and maize leaves; it was also incorporated into compounds belonging to the 4,4-dimethyl and 4alpha-methyl steroid groups and which may be possible phytosterol intermediates. 2. l-Me-(14)C]Methionine was incorporated into the major sterols and also into the 4,4-dimethyl and 4alpha-methyl steroid groups. No radioactivity was detected in squalene. 3. Under anaerobic conditions incorporation of 2-(14)C]-mevalonate into the non-saponifiable lipid of pea leaves was drastically decreased but radioactive squalene was accumulated. 4. Cycloartenol, 24-methylenecycloartanol, 24-methylenelophenol, 24-ethylidenelophenol, fucosterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol have been identified by gas-liquid chromatography in pea leaves. 5. The significance of these results in connexion with phytosterol biosynthesis and the introduction of the alkyl group at C-24 into phytosterols is discussed. |
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