The conversion of [2-14C]mevalonic acid into triterpenes and tetraterpenes by cell-free extracts of a Neurospora crassa albino mutant

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Abstract
Evidence for the conversion of [2-14C]mevalonic acid into triterpene and some tetraterpene components of Neurospora crassa in a cell-free system is presented. Radioactivity in the non-saponifiable neutral lipid extracts of the incubated cell-free extract was partitioned into three fractions by column chromatography. Purification of the radioactive component of one of these fractions by column chromatography and analysis by ultraviolet-absorption spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography showed the radioactivity to be present primarily in squalene. Preliminary analysis of the remaining two fractions indicated the incorporation of mevalonate into phytoene and sterol intermediates. The conversion of mevalonate into squalene exhibited an absolute requirement for ATP and Mn2+ and was enhanced in the presence of NADP or NADPH.