Investigations of the Biosynthesis and Degradation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Higher Plants and Photosynthetic Bacteria

Abstract

AbstractA comparison of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in higher plants, Chlorella vulgaris and photosynthetic bacteria showed that only the first two systems require oxygen as a cofactor. Photosynthetic bacteria degrade added fatty acids to acetate and synthesize their unsaturated acids by the anaerobic route irrespective of the presence or absence of air. Leaves and Chlorella synthesize linoleic and linolenic acids from oleic acid by direct desaturation. Oleic acid is synthesized differently by the two systems. Leaves degrade added fatty acids by α‐oxidation photosynthetic bacteria by β‐oxidation.