An Evolutionary Perspective on Linoleic Acid Synthesis in Animals

• DOI: 10.1007/s11692-017-9436-5
• Publication Date: 2017-10-23T20:02:26Z
• Authors: Miriama Malcicka; Bertanne Visser; Jacintha Ellers
• Keywords: Synthetic Biology; Essential nutrient

The diet of organisms generally provides a sufficient supply energy and building materials for healthy growth development, but should also contain essential nutrients. Species differ in their exogenous requirements, it is not clear why some species are able to synthesize nutrients, while others not. unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6) plays an important role functions such as cell physiology, immunity, reproduction, nutrient diverse organisms. LA readily synthesized bacteria, protozoa plants, was long thought that all animals lacked the ability de novo thus required dietary source this acid. Over years, however, increasing number studies have shown active synthesis animals, including insects, nematodes pulmonates. Despite continued interest metabolism, has remained unclear can cannot. Here, we review mechanisms by which biological supports different answer question lost repeatedly gained during evolution distinct invertebrate groups. We propose several hypotheses compile data from available literature identify factors promote within phylogenetic framework. found link between our proposed synthesis; therefore suggest may be facilitated through bifunctionality desaturase enzymes or evolved combination selective pressures.