Biosynthesis of the Fatty Acids in Aseptically Reared Larvae of the Blowfly Calliphora Erythrocephala (Meig.)

Abstract

1. In this paper wo proved that the larvae of Calliphora erylhrocephala are not able to synthetize linoleic acid. 2. Evidence is presented that dehydrogenation of saturated fatty acids takes place to form mono-enoic fatty acids from the corresponding saturated fatty acids. 3. Evidence is presented that the « de novo » biosynthesis and the elongation system of fatty acids are operative. However, we suggest that the endproduct of the « de novo » synthesis in this animals is mainly myristic acid and not palmitic acid.