Biology of Alkylphosphonic Acids. A Review of the Distribution, Metabolism, and Structure of Naturally Occuring Alkylphosphonic Acids.
Abstract
A literature review is made concerning the distribution, metabolism, and structural properties of naturally occurring alkylphosphonic acids (molecules which contain a covalent carbonphosphorus bond). Alkylphosphonic acids, predominately as 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEP), have been identified from a variety of specimens including bacteria, amoeba, protozoa, marine invertebrates, terrestrial molluscs, and from bovine, goat, and human tissue. The alkylphosphonic acids are found free and incorporated in lipid and protein materials. Miscellaneous other alkylphosphonic acids, such as the antiviral agent phosphonoacetic acid, may become useful in the future as therapeutic agents. The metabolic information available from bacterial studies demonstrates that the C-P linkage can be anabolized and catabolized by enzymatic means. Although the exact mechanism is not known, recently proposed mechanisms are presented. The phosphonolipids are well defined structurally and much remains to be determined concerning the cellular localization of the proteins and lipids. A function has yet to be determined for either the phosphonolipids or the phosphonoproteins although the broad distribution and unique character of the carbon-phosphorous bond indicates that phosphonates do serve or have served a useful biological purpose.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 22, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA115781
Entities
People
- Harry J. Lubansky
- Jean L. Joseph
- Richard L. Hilderbrand
- Thomas O. Henderson
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center