phagous and certain omnivorous species obtain their essential C27 sterols through dealkylation of dietary C28 and C29 phytosterols. The mechanism of this dealkylation reaction in insects is an important but little understood biochemical problem. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, ƒÀ-sitosterol, which is the principal sterol in its diet, Morus (mulberry) leaves, is converted into cholesterol,1) but no...
