Studies of the biogenesis of Verrucosins, toxic diterpenid glycerides of the Mediterranean mollusc Doris verrucosa

The biogenesis of verrucosins, diterpenoid glycerides of the marine mollusc Doris verrucosa, has been investigated by feeding experiments with labelled precursors. Incorporation of radioactive D-[U-14C]-glucose in the diterpenes proved the de novo origin of verrucosins in the mollusc. Biogenesis of glycerol and terpenoid substructures has been investigated by feeding experiment with 13C-labelled precursors.