Studies on the mechanism of biosynthesis of wax esters in Euchaeta norvegica

Preparations of Euchaeta norvegica catalyse the incorporation of (1-¹⁴C) hexadecanol, (9,10-³H₂) oleic acid, (U-¹⁴C) glucose, (U-¹⁴C) alanine and (U-¹⁴C) aspartic acid into wax esters. Both the fatty alcohol and fatty acid moieties of the wax esters are labelled, indicating de novo biosynthesis. A limited interconversion of fatty acid and fatty alcohol has been demonstrated. Incorporation of glucose into wax esters is diminished by prior starving of E. norvegica; it is also reduced in the presence of ecdysterone. Formation of wax esters from glucose is inhibited by increased oxygen tensions, rotenone and dinitrophenol, and is relatively insensitive to decreased oxygen tensions and cyanide. The data are discussed with particular reference to the reasons why wax esters are biosynthesised by calanoids.