Abstract
A synthesis of beta-C14-serine from C14H3OH is described. The conversion of serine to glycine and acetate was studied by feeding both enantiomorphs, labeled in the beta-carbon atom with C14, to adult rats and isolating hippuric acid, L-alpha-acetamido-gamma-phenylbutyric acid and p-acetamido-benzoic acid from the urine. It is concluded that both enantiomorphs of serine are precursors of acetyl groups in vivo. A part of D-serine is converted to a C2 acetylating agent, and part to pyruvate. L-serine is converted wholly to pyruvate.