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Vitamin C biosynthesis in prosimians: Evidence for the anthropoid affinity of Tarsius

Pollock, J. I.; Mullin, R. J.; Pollock, Jon

Authors

J. I. Pollock

R. J. Mullin

Jon Pollock Jon.Pollock@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Epidemiology



Abstract

This report examines the taxonomic distribution of the in vitro biosynthesis of ascorbic acid in the Prosimii (Order: Primates). Liver and kidney samples of 15 prosimian taxa, including Tarsius bancanus, were quantitatively tested for the enzyme L‐gulono‐1,4‐lactone oxidase. Liver samples from all taxa except Tarsius had substantial levels of the enzyme. Furthermore, unlike other eutherian mammals, kidney tissue from members of the family Lemuridae showed low but consistent levels of enzyme activity. The result for Tarsius, by fitting with the pattern exhibited by the monkeys, apes, and man, adds significant independent evidence for this animal's relatively close genetic relationship with the Anthropoidea. Copyright © 1987 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company

Citation

Pollock, J. I., Mullin, R. J., & Pollock, J. (1987). Vitamin C biosynthesis in prosimians: Evidence for the anthropoid affinity of Tarsius. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 73(1), 65-70. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330730106

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 1987
Journal American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Print ISSN 0002-9483
Electronic ISSN 1096-8644
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 73
Issue 1
Pages 65-70
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330730106
Keywords vitamin C, biosynthesis, prosimians, anthropoid, Tarsius
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1112760
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330730106