Isovaleric acid as a precursor of odd numbered iso fatty acids in Tetrahymena

Abstract

Abstract Tris isovalerate‐supplemented Tetrahymena pyriformis W showed no qualitative change in fatty acid composition; however, an increase in polar lipids that contain odd numbered iso acids (C 13 , C 15 , C 17 , C 19 ) occurred. This change was accompanied by a decrease in the proportional amount of even numbered normal acids (C 14 , C 16 , C 18 ). The neutral and polar lipids from cells incubated with [1‐ 14 C] isovaleric acid were found to contain radioactivity. The methyl esters of the saturated fatty acids obtained from the polar lipids by alkaline methanolysis were separated by reversed phase chromatography, the identities confirmed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and the specific activities determined. Iso acids were found to be the most heavily labeled materials. In addition to ceramide, two sphingolipid components were detected. One yielded saturated fatty acids after acidic methanolysis, while the other contained >93% α‐hydroxy fatty acids. Radioactivity was noted in the long chain base fraction derived from the sphingolipids. Progressive growth inhibition occurred as the isovalerate concentration was increased in the culture medium; however, the ciliates were morphologically indistinguishable from unsupplemented cells.