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Metabolism of Bovine Semen. XIII. Malonic Acid Metabolism by Bovine Spermatozoa^{1, 2,}

Dairy Breeding Research Center, Department of Dairy Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

ABSTRACT

Malonic acid metabolism by bovine spermatozoa was studied through the utilization of malonic-C¹⁴ acids. Factors affecting metabolism of malonic acid were determined by C¹⁴O₂ production from malonic-1-C¹⁴ acid; metabolic pathways in the metabolism of malonic acid were studied with malonic-2-C¹⁴ acid, paper chromatography, autoradiography, and chemical degradation of an isolated intermediate.

The C¹⁴O₂ production from malonic-1-C¹⁴ acid was determined at pH 5.3, 5.6, 6.0, and 6.5. The maximum yield of C¹⁴O₂ was obtained at pH 6.0. Radioactive carbon dioxide production was not substantially increased following cold shock or versene treatment, suggesting that permeability did not limit malonic acid metabolism.

Glutamic and aspartic acids were identified by cochromatography as metabolites of malonic acid. Specific activities of individual carbons of glutamic acid yielded an expected pattern for glutamic acid biosynthesis via transamination of alpha-ketoglutarate, a citric acid cycle intermediate. The data indicate that malonic acid is decarboxylated to form acetate, which is metabolized through the citric acid cycle.

¹ Authorized for publication as paper no. 2864 in the journal series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station. Supported in part by grants from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Contract No. AT (30-1) - 1849, the Pennsylvania Association of Artificial Breeding Cooperatives, and the National Association of Artificial Breeders.

² Part of the data contained in this paper is from a thesis submitted by the senior author to the Graduate School of The Pennsylvania State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

³ Present address: Department of Dairy Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.