L-ascorbic acid synthesis in birds: phylogenetic trend.
The ability of several species of birds to synthesize L-ascorbic acid is correlated with their phylogeny. In the more primitive species, synthesis of L-ascorbic acid occurs in the kidney. Among the highly evolved passeriform species, kidney and liver can synthesize L-ascorbic acid in some, whereas in others synthesis occurs in the liver. In still others, the capacity for the synthesis of L-ascorbic acid is apparently lost. The pattern of evolution of the ascorbic acid pathway among birds is thus similar to that among mammals.
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001717:Birds / Q000378:metabolism*; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008322:Mammals / Q000378:metabolism; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors; D008861:Microsomes / Q000378:metabolism; D010088:Oxidoreductases; D010828:Physiology, Comparative; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D010088:Oxidoreductases; D001205:Ascorbic Acid