Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Site Tools

  • AAAS
  • Subscribe
  • Feedback

Site Search

Search Advanced

Science 24 June 1983:
Vol. 220. no. 4604, pp. 1387 - 1389
DOI: 10.1126/science.220.4604.1387
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Articles

Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis in Trichoplusia ni: Key Steps Involve Delta-11 Desaturation and Chain-Shortening

L. B. BJOSTAD 1 and W. L. ROELOFS 1

1 Department of Entomology, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva 14456

In addition to the primary pheromone component (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, the sex pheromone gland of Trichoplusia ni contains the immediate fatty acyl precursor (Z)-7-dodecenoate and a large quantity of (Z)-11-hexadecenoate. Labeling experiments showed that (Z)-11-hexadecenoate is chain-shortened to (Z)-9-tetradecenoate, and that this in turn is chain-shortened to (Z)-7-dodecenoate. The same mechanism appears to explain the sex pheromone compositions of many other moth species.

Submitted on December 2, 1982
Revised on April 5, 1983


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
An epoxide hydrolase involved in the biosynthesis of an insect sex attractant and its use to localize the production site.
M. Abdel-latief, L. A. Garbe, M. Koch, and J. Ruther (2008)
PNAS 105, 8914-8919
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Molecular genetics and evolution of pheromone biosynthesis in Lepidoptera.
W. L. Roelofs and A. P. Rooney (2003)
PNAS 100, 9179-9184
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Evolution of the Integral Membrane Desaturase Gene Family in Moths and Flies.
D. C. Knipple, C.-L. Rosenfield, R. Nielsen, K. M. You, and S. E. Jeong (2002)
Genetics 162, 1737-1752
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Source and Cyclic Release Pattern of (Z)-7-Dodecenyl Acetate, the Pre-ovulatory Pheromone of the Female Asian Elephant.
L.E.L. Rasmussen (2001)
Chem Senses 26, 611-623
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Pheromone Components and Active Spaces: What Do Moths Smell and Where Do They Smell It?.
C. E. LINN JR., M. G. CAMPBELL, and W. L. ROELOFS (1987)
Science 237, 650-652
   Abstract »    PDF »
Chemical Mimicry: Bolas Spiders Emit Components of Moth Prey Species Sex Pheromones.
M. K. STOWE, J. H. TUMLINSON, and R. R. HEATH (1987)
Science 236, 964-967
   Abstract »    PDF »
Aldehyde Pheromones in Lepidoptera: Evidence for an Acetate Ester Precursor in Choristoneura fumiferana.
D. MORSE and E. MEIGHEN (1984)
Science 226, 1434-1436
   Abstract »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)