Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Linoleic Acid in Insects

昆虫中亚油酸的生物合成和代谢：首席研究员最近的工作表明，一些昆虫不同于脊椎动物，可以从头合成多不饱和脂肪酸。用豌豆蚜虫、美国蟑螂和蟋蟀的分离组织进行的实验应该提供客观的证据，排除共生微生物参与这些脂肪酸的合成。将对关键酶进行鉴定，并确定特定底物。这项研究的结果将有助于我们了解多不饱和脂肪酸在昆虫中的功能和代谢。昆虫生物化学知识，特别是不同于脊椎动物的生物化学知识，将有助于开发更安全的方法来管理医学和经济上重要的昆虫。

Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Linoleic Acid in Insects: Recent work by the principal investigator presents evidence that some insects unlike vertebrates can synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids de novo. Experiments with isolated tissues from pea aphids, American cockroaches and crickets should provide unambiquous evidence to rule out involvement of symbiotic microorganisms in the synthesis of these fatty acids. The key enzyme will be characterized and specific substrate identified. The results of this research should contribute to our understanding of the function and metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids in insects. Knowledge of insect biochemistry especially as it differs from that of vertebrates will be helpful in developing safer methods for managing medically and economically important insects.