The sequence of formation of fatty acids in developing soybean seeds

Summary Excised Lincoln soybean stems bearing pods and leaves were supplied with C¹⁴ labeled-sucrose for brief periods, and the subsequent appearance of radio-activity in the different fatty acids was observed up to 18 days. The individual fatty acids were separated as their 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride derivatives and the specific activity of the different fractions were determined. Radioactivity appeared in the fatty acids in the following order: oleic, saturated, linoleic, linolenic. Consistent presence of highest specific activity in the oleic acid fraction indicated that oleic may be converted to the other acids, at least to some extent. Journal Paper No. 719 of the Purdue Agricultural Experiment Station, Layfayette, Ind.