Serine Synthesis in Tetrahymena from Non-amino Acid Sources; Compounds derived from Serine

SUMMARY: Metabolic products of fermentable carbohydrates, as well as certain fatty acids, ethanol and acetaldehyde can serve as sources for serine synthesis in Tetrahymena. Exogenous hydroxypyruvate and related compounds were inactive.

Sparing experiments indicate that serine contributes to the formation of glycine, cysteine (presumably via cystathionine), aminoethanol and thymine.