Fatty acid components of larval Ostrea edulis (L.): importance of triacylglycerols as a fatty acid reserve.
1. The fatty acid profiles of all of the acyl-lipid classes of 1- and 10-day-old European oyster Ostrea edulis (L.) larvae were studied in detail by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. 2. No significant changes in the fatty acids were detected between the different larval stages. 3. Total lipid fatty acids showed a higher degree of unsaturation than previously reported. This may be a consequence of the extraction of lipids from the living tissues without sample storage. 4. One-third of the triacylglycerol fatty acids were polyunsaturated. In agreement with the importance of triacylglycerols in lipids of bivalve larvae, it is suggested that this lipid fraction may act as a temporary reservoir of physiologically-important polyunsaturated fatty acids. 5. Free fatty acids and fatty acids from the minor lipid classes are discussed in terms of their possible origin and physiological significances.
Napolitano
G E
GE
Canadian Institute of Fisheries Technology, Department of Food Science and Technology, Technical University of Nova Scotia, Halifax.
Ratnayake
W M
WM
Ackman
R G
RG
D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D007814:Larva / Q000378:metabolism; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000145:classification; D010125:Ostreidae / Q000378:metabolism*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000378:metabolism
D005227:Fatty Acids; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides