Biochemical studies on the developing avian embryo. 5. Ubiquinone and some other unsaponifiable lipids

Abstract

The yolks of unincubated eggs and the residual yolks and developing embryos from eggs (of Rock Cornish hens and Chickens) incubated for 11, 15, 17, 19 and 21 days have been examined for unsaponifiable lipid constituents. Ubiquinone, [alpha]- and gamma-tocopherol, vitamin A, cholesta-3,5-dien-7-one and ergosterol are reported in egg yolk. Ubiquinone is synthesized by the developing chick embryo. The majority of the tocopherol, vitamin A, sterol and ergosterol is transferred from the yolk to the embryo in the last few days of incubation. 3-Formylindole appears in the embryo in increasing amounts from the 17th day of incubation.