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Pheromone biosynthesis and role of functional groups in pheromone specificity

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Abstract

The sex attractants for many Lepidoptera are long-chain, monounsaturated acetate esters, alcohols, and aldehydes. In vivo metabolic studies and enzyme analysis in vitro have provided evidence that the aldehyde pheromone of the eastern spruce budworm is synthesized de novo via an acetate ester precursor. Interconversion of the functional groups (ester, alcohol, aldehyde) can explain differences in the pheromone blends used by closely related species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3655 Drummond Street, H3G 1Y6, Montreal, P.Q.

    David Morse & Edward Meighen

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  1. David Morse
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  2. Edward Meighen
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Morse, D., Meighen, E. Pheromone biosynthesis and role of functional groups in pheromone specificity. J Chem Ecol 12, 335–351 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01020560

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01020560

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