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Pantothenic Acid Deficiency and Ubiquinone Levels in Rat Liver Mitochondria

Nature volume 184, pages 1867–1868 (1959)Cite this article

Abstract

A NEW group of naturally occurring homologous quinones referred to as ubiquinone or coenzyme Q (Q 275) has been recognized in recent years1. Structural studies have led to the characterization of these compounds as derivatives of 2, 3,-dimethoxy, 5-methyl benzoquinone, substituted at position 6 with a polyisoprenoid side-chain1,2. Homologues with 6–10 side-chain isoprenoid units have been identified in animal and plant tissues and in micro-organisms3. While much interest has centred around its biological functions, little work has been done on the biosynthesis of ubiquinone. The incorporation of mevalonic acid into the isoprenoid chain has been recently reported4. The known participation of coenzyme A and acetate in the biosynthesis of mevalonic acid prompted a study of the possible relationship of dietary pantothenic acid to tissue-levels of ubiquinone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Technology, University of Bombay,

    A. S. AIYAR, G. A. SULEBELE, D. V. REGE & A. SREENIVASAN

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  1. A. S. AIYAR
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  2. G. A. SULEBELE
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  3. D. V. REGE
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  4. A. SREENIVASAN
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AIYAR, A., SULEBELE, G., REGE, D. et al. Pantothenic Acid Deficiency and Ubiquinone Levels in Rat Liver Mitochondria. Nature 184, 1867–1868 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/1841867b0

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