The anaerobic biosynthesis of plasmalogens

The biosynthesis of plasmalogens in anaerobic bacteria differs fundamentally from that in animal cells. Firstly, the formation of the alk-1-enyl ether bond in animal cells is oxygen dependent. Secondly, the first step in plasmalogen formation in animal cells is an acylation of dihydroxyacetone phosphate, which has been ruled out as a precursor in anaerobes. In bacteria the alk-1-enyl ether bond is formed after the fully formed acyl glycerolipids are synthesized. Evidence will be presented for the conversion of the sn-1 acyl-linked chain to an O-alk-1-enyl ether by an as yet unknown mechanism.