Phytophthorols-novel lipids produced by Phytophthora cactorum

Lipid-phytophthorols are a series of saturated and unsaturated odd chain fatty alcohols (C₁₇-C₂₁) esterified to myristic acid (14:0) with each possessing two hydroxyl functions in a 1,2-diol relationship centered toward the ester terminus. They have been identified, and their biosynthetic relationship to other fatty acid and alcohols produced by Phytophthora cactorum have been determined. Because phytophthorols are crystalline materials and elute in TLC and HPLC with sterols, an architectural function is implied. In the absence of cholesterol, dietary phytophthorol failed to induce reproduction.