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Article
Vitamin C biosynthesis in prosimians: Evidence for the anthropoid affinity of Tarsius
Article first published online: 3 MAY 2005
DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.1330730106
Copyright © 1987 Wiley-Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company
1096-8644/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=c25957633aab6b6ac1922fea9d9a5103f0357fec "American Journal of Physical Anthropology")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Pollock, J. I. and Mullin, R. J. (1987), Vitamin C biosynthesis in prosimians: Evidence for the anthropoid affinity of Tarsius. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol., 73: 65–70. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330730106
Publication History
- Issue published online: 3 MAY 2005
- Article first published online: 3 MAY 2005
- Manuscript Revised: 12 DEC 1986
- Manuscript Received: 8 AUG 1986
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- L-gulonolactone oxidase;
- ascorbic acid;
- prosimian evolution
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.