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Sex pheromone biosynthesis in the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (II): Biosynthesis of ( E )‐ and ( Z )‐12‐tetradecenyl acetate involves Δ14 desaturation
Author(s) -
Zhao Chenghua,
Löfstedt Christer,
Wang Xuying
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
archives of insect biochemistry and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.576
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1520-6327
pISSN - 0739-4462
DOI - 10.1002/arch.940150106
Subject(s) - ostrinia furnacalis , pheromone , biosynthesis , ostrinia , biology , sex pheromone , biochemistry , palmitic acid , european corn borer , labelling , stereochemistry , botany , fatty acid , lepidoptera genitalia , chemistry , pyralidae , enzyme
Sex pheromone biosynthesis in the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis was studied by topical application of deuterium labelled fatty acids to the pheromone gland. The incorporation of the labelled acids into pheromone components and precursors was determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode. The labelling experiments suggest that the pheromone components ( E )‐ and ( Z )‐12‐tetradecenyl acetates are biosynthesized from palmitic acid by δ14 desaturation, followed by chain shortening (β‐oxidation), reduction, and acetylation. This is the first confirmation of a Δ14 desaturase in an eukaryotic system.