Biosynthesis of (+)-protolichesterinic acid in Cetraria islandica

Abstract

The biosynthesis of (+)-protolichesterinic acid has been studied by use of [1-¹⁴C]acetate and [1,4-¹⁴C₂]succinic acid. The results support the hypothesis that aliphatic lichen acids have common precursors related to the citric acid and fatty acid cycles; however, the extremely low levels of incorporation suggest that the biosynthesis represents very minor metabolic pathways in C. islandica. The biosynthesis appears to be inoperative in winter.