Metabolism in the Crayfish Astacus Astacus (L.) III. – Absence of Cholesterol Synthesis

Abstract

The incorporation of acetate-l-¹⁴C into lipids of the crayfish Astacus aslacus (L.) was investigated at different seasons. In no case was evidence obtained for the incorporation of that compound into squalene and cholesterol. The animals, however, utilize acetate for the synthesis of fatty acids and some non-saponifiable lipids. It was concluded that Astacus was unable to synthesize cholesterol, so that this predominant sterol is of dietary origin. From these and other results it may be concluded too that all the groups of Crustacea have a dietary requirement for cholesterol (or other sterols).