Variability of metabolism and function of sterols in insects

It is generally accepted that insects are unable to biosynthesize the tetracyclic steroid nucleus and depend on an exogenous or dietary source of sterol to support normal development and reproduction. In a few known exceptions, microbial symbionts provide sufficient essential sterol for the insect....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Critical reviews in biochemistry and molecular biology 1999, Vol.34 (1), p.49-57
Main Author: Svoboda, James A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkylation
Animals
biochemical pathways
ecdysteroids
Insect Hormones - metabolism
Insecta - classification
Insecta - metabolism
insects
metabolism
Sterols - metabolism
variation
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Summary:It is generally accepted that insects are unable to biosynthesize the tetracyclic steroid nucleus and depend on an exogenous or dietary source of sterol to support normal development and reproduction. In a few known exceptions, microbial symbionts provide sufficient essential sterol for the insect. As in many organisms, sterols serve a dual role both as components of cell membranes and as precursors to steroid hormones which, in insects, are the molting hormones (ecdysteroids). Of these ecdysteroids, the 27-carbon steroids, ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone, are the most prevalent. Perhaps other as yet unknown physiological needs for sterols also exist.
ISSN:1040-9238
1549-7798
DOI:10.1080/10409239991209183