Nucleotide pool changes in coelomic cells (eleocytes) of the polychaete Nereis virens during sexual maturation

Eleocytes (a type of coelomic cell) of the polychaete Nereis virens can store large amounts of adenine nucleotides at certain times. Since eleocytes have specific functions related to gametogenesis, we tested whether the presence of these large nucleotide stores in eleocytes is specific to gender or related to specific events during gametogenesis. Nucleotide pools in eleocytes isolated at different stages of sexual maturation from N. virens were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Eleocytes from immature and male animals had extremely high concentrations of both AMP and ADP (each > 10 μmol/ml of packed cell volume). In eleocytes from male animals, the high nucleotide stores were maintained throughout the maturation phase and decreased at a late stage, while in female animals the nucleotides were degraded at an early stage of maturation. In male eleocytes, the decrease in the adenine nucleotide pool may be the result of its conversion to inosine which is then released by the eleocytes and reutilized by male germ cells for nucleic acid biosynthesis, as has been suggested previously. Our study shows that the time of degradation of the adenine nucleotide pool coincides with the period of spermatogonia proliferation which involves intense nucleic acid synthesis. ATP levels (0.4–1.5 μmol/ml packed cell volume) and the guanine nucleotide pool (GTP+GDP+GMP; 0.08–0.18 μmol/ml packed cell volume) were similar in both sexes, did not change during germ cell development and were decreased only in eleocytes from prespawning females. The GTP/GDP ratios were initially higher (up to 14) in eleocytes from females compared to ratios in eleocytes from immature (4–9) and male animals (up to 8), and decreased during the maturation phase of the animals. GTP levels were correlated with those of ATP; this correlation was much closer in eleocytes from females than from males. The results further support the hypothesis that the adenine nucleotide stores in the eleocytes are maintained as a supply of purine precursors for the growing germ cells.     

Expression and evolution studies of ets genes in a primitive coelomate,the polychaete annelid,Hediste (Nereis) diversicolor

The Ets family includes numerous proteins with a highly conserved DNA-binding domain of 85 amino acids named the ETS domain. Phylogenetic analyses from ETS domains revealed that this family could be divided into 13 groups, among them are ETS and ERG. The ets genes are present in the Metazoan kingdom and we have previously characterized the Nd ets and Nd erg genes in the polychaete annelid Hediste diversicolor. Here, we isolated a fragment encoding the ETS domain from Nd Ets, by genomic library screening. By Northern blot analysis, we showed that this gene was transcribed as one major mRNA of 2.6 kb and one minor mRNA of 3.2 kb. By in situ hybridization, we observed that Nd ets was expressed in the intestine and oocytes and that Nd erg was expressed in cellular clumps present in the coelomic cavity, in an area of proliferating cells situated between the last metamere and the pygidium. Finally, we showed that Nd erg shared the expression pattern of Nd ets in oocytes. Molecular modeling studies have revealed that the spatial structure of ETS domain of Nd Ets and Nd Erg was conserved, in comparison to the murine Ets-1 and human Fli-1 proteins, respectively.     

Seasonal changes in sea-water tolerance of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)

Summary Groups of Arctic charr,Salvelinus alpinus, which had been acclimated to water with a salinity of 7 g·l^–1 and natural temperature and photoperiod, were exposed to water with different salinities and temperatures in June, September and February. At a salinity of 15 g·l^–1, plasma osmolality, plasma Na⁺, Cl^–, Mg²⁺ concentrations and the activity of gill Na-K-ATPase were stable, irrespective of temperature and season. In June, the charr were able to regulate blood plasma ionic levels within narrow limits when exposed to a salinity of 34 g·l^–1 (sea water) and a temperature of 8°C. The hypo-osmoregulatory capacity was less, but sufficient if the temperature was only 1°C during the seawater exposure. At the start of the experiment, the gill Na-K-ATPase activity was significantly higher in June than corresponding enzyme activities in September and February. Furthermore, an increase in gill Na-K-ATPase activity during the seawater exposure (8°C) was seen in June. Irrespective of ambient temperature and salinity, no fish died during the June experiments. In September and February, exposure to sea water produced marked increases in plasma osmolality and plasma ion concentrations. There were no changes in gill Na-K-ATPase activity. Consequently, the fish became dehydrated and were moribund after a short period of seawater exposure. Highest mortality was recorded when charr were exposed to winter sea conditions (34 g·l^–1 and 1°C) in February. The results indicate that an increase in daylength induce a hypo-osmoregulatory capacity in the Arctic charr during summer. In fall and winter, however, reduced daylength are accompanied by poor hypo-osmoregulatory capacity. This leads to high mortality as a result of increased electrolyte levels and dehydration.     

Lipid and fatty acid composition of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) larvae during development

Changes in lipid class, fatty acid composition, protein, and dry and wet weights of fertilized eggs and developing larvae of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) fed with the live food, Artemia, were investigated. A decrease of wet and dry weights and moisture was observed at the beginning of the larval stage. Larvae regained the original moisture level, and wet and dry weights increased steadily after feeding. Total lipids decreased from 190 μg/egg in fertilized eggs to 151 μg/egg during hatching and increased after feeding. When total lipid contents were expressed as a percentage of larval dry weight, a decline of lipid did not occur until after feeding. Total protein, on the other hand, increased right after feeding, but there was some variation between days. Polar lipids increased significantly from 20 μg/egg at the egg stage to 199 μg/larva at 26 days post-hatching (DPH), 2 days before the onset of metamorphosis, while neutral lipids declined from 175 μg/egg to 80 μg/larva during the same time period. Wax/steryl esters decreased from 150 μg/egg in fertilized eggs to 32 μg/larva at 26 DPH. Triacylglycerols dropped from 21 μg/egg to 15 μg/larva before feeding and increased gradually after feeding. In contrast, the level of cholesterol increased 2–3-fold. There was a significant increase of phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine in larvae after feeding. The fatty acid composition of fish larvae was significantly influenced by the diet, Artemia. There was an indication of catabolism of endogenous eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids during metamorphosis.     

Effect of keratin on the lipid composition of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (Bainier)

Lipid content and composition of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis cultured with or without its natural substrate keratin was investigated. Lipid content was found to be lower in the presence of keratin (maximum 12% against 19% in the absence of keratin), with differences in levels of linoleic acid (C₁₈₌₂), palmitic (C₆₀) and to a lesser extent palmitoleic (C₁₆₌₁) and -linolenic (C₁₈₌₃) acids. The degree of unsaturation was correspondingly lower in the organisms cultured with keratin as substrate.     

Fatty acid composition in lipid fractions lengthwise the mycelium of Mortierella isabellina and lipid production by solid state fermentation

This paper investigates the correlation between mycelial age and fatty acid biosynthesis. The correlation was investigated by analyzing the lipid composition lengthwise the mycelium of the oleaginous fungus Mortierella isabellina, a potential producer of γ-linolenic acid (GLA). Young mycelia were rich in polar lipids (glycolipids plus sphingolipids and phospholipids), while neutral lipid content increased in aged mycelia. In young mycelia, each polar lipid fraction contained almost 40% (w/w) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but this content decreased to less than 30% (w/w) in aged mycelia. On the other hand, PUFA content in neutral lipids fluctuated slightly with age. These results indicate that PUFA biosynthesis is favored in young, fast growing mycelia, while it decreases significantly in aged mycelia. This trend was also observed when we grew M. isabellina on pear pomace, an agro-industrial waste. Pear pomace cultures yielded significant amounts of lipid, which reached 12% (w/w) in dry fermented mass. The produced lipid was rich in GLA and the maximum GLA content in dry fermented mass was 2.9 mg/g.     

Seasonal variations in the behavioural thermoregulation of roosting Humboldt penguins ( Spheniscus humboldti) in north-central Chile

We examined the thermoregulatory behaviour (TRB) of roosting Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in north central Chile during summer and winter, when ambient temperatures (T_a) are most extreme. Each body posture was considered to represent a particular TRB, which was ranked in a sequence that reflected different degrees of thermal load and was assigned an arbitrary thermoregulatory score. During summer, birds exhibited eight different TRBs, mainly oriented to heat dissipation, and experienced a wide range of T_a (from 14 to 31°C), occasionally above their thermoneutral zone (TNZ, from 2 to 30°C), this being evident by observations of extreme thermoregulatory responses such as panting. In winter, birds exhibited only three TRBs, mainly oriented to heat retention, and experienced a smaller range of T_a (from 11 to 18°C), always within the TNZ, even at night. The components of behavioural responses increased directly with the heat load which explains the broader behavioural repertoire observed in summer. Since penguins are primarily adapted in morphology and physiology to cope with low water temperatures, our results suggest that behavioural thermoregulation may be important in the maintenance of the thermal balance in Humboldt penguins while on land.     

Seasonal changes in the oxygen storage capacity and aerobic dive limits of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

Summary The oxygen storage capacity and partitioning of body oxygen reserves were compared in summer-and winter-acclimatized muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). Blood volume, blood oxygen capacity, and skeletal muscle myoglobin content were higher in December than in July (P<0.02). Total lung capacity increased only slightly in winter (P>0.05). The oxygen storage capacity of a diving muskrat was calculated at 25.2 ml O₂ STPD · kg^-1 in July, compared to 35.7 ml O₂ STPD · kg^-1 in December. Blood comprised the major storage compartment in both seasons, accounting for 57% and 65% of the total oxygen stores in summer and winter, respectively. Based on available oxygen stores and previous estimates of the cost of diving, the aerobic dive limit (ADL) increased from 40.9 s in July to 57.9 s in December. Concurrent behavioral studies suggested that most voluntary diving by muskrats is aerobic. However, the proportion of dives exceeding the calculated ADL of these animals was shown to vary with the context of the dive. Only 3.5% of all dives initiated by muskrats floating in the water exceeded their estimated ADL. Provision of a dry resting site and access to a submerged food source increased this proportion to 18–61%, depending on the underwater distance that foraging muskrats were required to swim. Serial dives exceeding the estimated ADL were not accompanied by extended postdive recovery periods.Abbreviations ADL acrobic dive limit - Hb hemoglobin - Hct hematocrit - Mb myoglobin - PaO₂ arterial O₂ tension - STPD standard temperature and pressure, dry     

Variation in lipid composition of some deep-sea fish (Teleostei: Oreosomatidae and Trachichthyidae)

The lipid, fatty acid and fatty alcohol compositions were determined for muscle samples from six species of deep-sea oreo collected from Australian waters; namely Neocyttus rhomboidalis, Neocyttus sp., Allocyttus verrucosus, Allocyttus niger, Pseudocyttus maculatus, and Oreosoma atlanticum. Neocyttus helgae, landed in North Atlantic waters, was also analysed. Similar analyses were also carried out on the muscle and swim bladder of the orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus from both Australian and North Atlantic waters. Orange roughy is currently a major commercial species in southern Australia and is a new-fishery in the North Atlantic; there are four species of oreo of increasing commercial significance in Australia due to orange roughy quota reductions. It is therefore necessary to determine if the oreo fishing industry is capable of supplementing the current orange roughy requirements with respect to muscle and oil demand. In the oreos, the mean lipid content ranged from 0.5 to 3% of wet weight, with a mixed lipid composition including wax ester, triacylglycerol, sterol and polar lipid. The ratio of the monounsaturated fatty alcohols 22:1 to 20:1 allowed samples from the two geographical regions to be distinguished. Total wax ester in muscle from North Atlantic male orange roughy was much higher than in Australian fish (27 vs. 8.5% wet weight, respectively); females from both locations contained similar amounts of wax ester (4.5 vs. 3.3%, respectively). Selected swim bladders from North Atlantic and Australian orange roughy show similar wax ester content (90 vs. 82%, respectively). The ratio of 22:1 to 20:1 fatty alcohols in orange roughy from the two regions was 0.5 (Australian) and 1.4 (North Atlantic). Indeed differences exist between oreos from the two locations, but not between orange roughy and this requires further investigation. With respect to the nutritional value, the oreos are more attractive than the orange roughy however lipid levels remain much lower compared with other popular species.     

Particle reworking and solute transport by the sediment-living polychaetes Marenzelleria neglecta and Hediste diversicolor

This experimental study quantified and compared particle-mixing and solute transport by the polychaetes Marenzelleria neglecta (2 g ww, 3200 ind. m^− 2) and Hediste diversicolor (2 g ww, 800 ind. m^− 2) in Baltic Sea sediments. Particle tracers (luminophores) were added to the sediment surface and their vertical distribution in the sediment was measured after 10 d. The rate of particle mixing was quantified using a gallery-diffusion model calculating the biodiffusion coefficient D_b and the non-local transport parameter r. Bioirrigation was measured by adding an inert solute tracer (bromide) to the overlying water 1, 1.5 and 2 d before the end of the experiment, and quantified by calculating the net bromide flux and fitting the bromide profiles to a 1D diffusion model providing an apparent biodiffusion coefficient D_a. The two polychaete worms displayed similar particle-mixing and solute transport efficiencies (based on total biomass) despite different modes of bioturbation. However, H. diversicolor was a more efficient particle-reworker and M. neglecta a more efficient bioirrigator, on an individual level. H. diversicolor buried a higher percentage (13%) of luminophores below the top 0.5 cm surface layer than M. neglecta (6%). D_b did not differ between the two species (2.4 × 10^− 3 cm² d^− 1) indicating a similar rate of diffusive mixing of the top sediment, however, the non-local transport parameter r was 2.5 y^− 1 for H. diversicolor and zero for M. neglecta, suggesting no significant particle-transport below the biodiffusive layer by M. neglecta. The average individual net bromide fluxes obtained were ca. 0.01 mL min^− 1 for H. diversicolor and 0.003 mL min^− 1 for M. neglecta, corresponding to an area-specific rate of ca. 12 L m^− 2 d^− 1 at the used densities. D_a did not differ between the two polychaetes, suggesting a higher individual solute exchange efficiency of M. neglecta considering the much higher ventilation rates reported for H. diversicolor than for Marenzelleria sp. The ongoing colonization of Baltic Sea sediments by M. neglecta at high densities may thus lead to an enhanced soluble release of both nutrients and contaminants. These results add information to the understanding of the potential effects of the invasion of M. neglecta on sediment biogeochemistry when competing with and/or replacing native species.     

A comparison of the major lipid classes and fatty acid composition of marine unicellular cyanobacteria with freshwater species

The fatty acid composition of two motile (strains WH 8113 and WH 8103) and one nonmotile (strain WH 7803) marine cyanobacteria has been determined and compared with two freshwater unicellular Synechocystis species (strain PCC 6308 and PCC 6803). The fatty acid composition of lipid extracts of isolated membranes from Synechocystis PCC 6803 was found to be identical to that of whole cells. All the marine strains contained myristic acid (14:0) as the major fatty acid, with only traces of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This composition is similar to Synechocystis PCC 6308. The major lipid classes of the nonmotile marine strain were identified as digalactosyl diacylglycerol, monogalactosyl diacylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, identical to those found in other cyanobacteria.Abbreviations DGDG Digalactosyl diacylglycerol - MGDG Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol - PG Phosphatidylglycerol - SGDG sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol - gc gas chromatography - ms mass spectrometry     

Comparative Studies of the Indoleamine Dioxygenase-like Myoglobin from the Abalone Sulculus diversicolor

The abalone Sulculus diversicolor contains abundant myoglobin in its buccal mass. The myoglobin is homodimeric and the molecular mass of the constituent polypeptide chain is 41,000 Da. The amino acid sequence and gene structure are highly homologous with those of a vertebrate tryptophan-degrading enzyme, indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO). Thus Sulculus myoglobin evolved from an IDO gene, and represents a typical case of functional convergence. The oxygen equilibrium properties of Sulculus myoglobin were examined and compared with those of myoglobins from other sources. It binds oxygen reversibly, and the P₅₀ was determined to be 3.8 mmHg at 20°C and pH 7.4, showing that the oxygen affinity of Sulculus myoglobin is significantly lower than those of usual 16 kDa myoglobins. It also displays no cooperativity (n_max: 1.02–1.06) and no alkaline Bohr effect between pH 7.0 and 7.9. The cDNA-derived amino acid sequences of vertebrate IDOs, molluscan IDO-like myoglobins and a homolog in the yeast Saccharomyces were aligned, and several amino acid residues were proposed as candidates for key residues to control the function of IDO or myoglobin.     

Intraspecific variability in Karlodinium veneficum: Growth rates, mixotrophy, and lipid composition

We isolated eleven strains of the harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum during a bloom event in the NW Mediterranean coastal waters and we studied the inter-strain variability in several of their physiological and biochemical traits. These included autotrophic growth parameters, feeding capabilities (mixotrophy), lipid composition, and, in some cases, their responses to biotic and abiotic factors. The strains were found to differ in their growth rates (0.27–0.53 d⁻¹) and in the maximum cell concentrations achieved during stationary phase (6.1 × 10⁴–8.6 × 10⁴ cells mL⁻¹). Their ingestion performance, when offered Rhodomonas salina as prey, was also diverse (0.22–1.3 cells per K. veneficum per day; 8–52% of their daily ration). At least two strains survived for several months under strict heterotrophic conditions (no light, low inorganic nutrients availability, and R. salina as food source). These strains also showed very distinct fatty acid compositions, with very low contents of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. According to a Bray Curtis similarity analysis, three or four strain groups able to perform different roles in bloom development were identified. We further analyzed one strain from each of the two most distinct groups with respect to prey concentration, light intensity, nutrient availability, and we determined the functional responses (growth and feeding rates) to food concentration. Taken together, the results served to highlight the role of mixotrophy and clone variability in the formation of HABs.     

Effect of the high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, benzo[a]pyrene, on the lipid content of Fusarium solani

The purpose of the present paper was to study the effect of the high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), benzo[a]pyrene, on the lipid [fatty acid (FA) and sterol] composition and content of the fungi Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum, respectively recognized as good and poor PAH degraders. The major FAs and the major sterol that characterized the tested Fusarium strains were C16:0, C18:1, C18:2, and ergosterol. Lipid profiles of F. solani remained unchanged with the addition of benzo[a]pyrene in the culture media at all concentrations and duration of treatment. However, in the presence of benzo[a]pyrene, significant decreases in FA content, which reached 18 % in young cultures and 28 % in mature colonies, were registered. Similarly, the sterol content of F. solani was reduced by 27 % in the presence of benzo[a]pyrene. In contrast, no modification in lipid profile and lipid content were observed with F. oxysporum, a strain recognized as a low benzo[a]pyrene degrader.     

Seasonal variation of energy metabolism in ghost crab Ocypode quadrata at Siriú Beach (Brazil)

The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal variations of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of the ghost crab Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787) on a sandy beach in the southern region of Brazil. Crabs and hemolymph samples were collected monthly in the field. Hepatopancreas, gills, gonads and claw muscles were used for glycogen determination. In males, blood glucose levels increased in the summer and in the winter. The glycogen values increased significantly in the hepatopancreas in the winter, but remained constant in the muscle, gonads and gills. In females, hemolymph glucose levels, glycogen values in the hepatopancreas and in the gills remained constant throughout the year; however, muscular glycogen increased in the spring and gonad glycogen decreased in the summer. Hemolymph triglyceride levels of males and females and total cholesterol of males decreased significantly in the spring. In females, a significant increase of total cholesterol levels was found in the winter. The findings suggest that in O. quadrata lipids seem to be an important reserve of energy used during reproduction, both in males and females, while glycogen may be used during periods of intense activity or fasting.     

Ontogenetic changes in biochemical composition during larval and early postlarval development of Lepidophthalmus louisianensis, a ghost shrimp with abbreviated development

Changes in growth and biochemical composition during the transition from egg through zoea to decapodid in the ghost shrimp, Lepidophthalmus louisianensis (Schmitt, 1935), were documented in terms of dry weight, lipid classes, fatty acid composition, and carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios. Larvae of the ghost shrimp were mass-reared in the laboratory (28°C; 20‰ S) from hatching to the decapodid stage. Iatroscan lipid class analysis revealed that major lipid classes in recently produced eggs were phospholipids (80.8±1.3%) and triglycerides (16.0±1.1%), which decreased during the incubation period. Polar lipids (zoea I: 77.4±1.7%; zoea II: 77.5±2.1%; decapodid: 80.0±1.7%) and neutral lipids, of which free fatty acids (zoea I: 10.5±2.7%; zoea II: 13.1±5.2%; decapodid: 7.8±2.1%) were dominant, represented the major lipid classes in the zoeal and decapodid stages. Triglycerides were present in small amounts. The predominant fatty acids of L. louisianensis eggs, zoeae and decapodids were palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0), eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3), oleic (18:1ω9), and arachidonic (20:4ω6). Elemental composition of eggs, larvae, and the decapodid stage revealed conspicuous changes in the C:N ratio, with N being relatively stable during larval development but C decreasing during the decapodid stage. These data suggest independence of newly hatched L. louisianensis on external energy resources. This combined with the ability to incorporate saturated fatty acids into polar lipids provides a selective advantage for fast development of new tissue and growth, characteristic of decapod crustacean larvae with lecithotrophic development.     

Seasonal changes in a population of Menacanthuseurysternus (mallophaga, amblycera) on the common myna Acridotheres tristis

Seasonal changes in a population of Menacanthus eurysternus (Mallophaga, Amblycera) on the common myna Acridotheres trislis. International Journal for Parasitology20: 1063–1065. Seasonal variations in a population of an amblyceran louse, Menacanthus eurysternus, infesting the common myna have been studied. Incidence of infestation, lice, index, and population structure of this species have been recorded in different months of the year; reasons for the population fluctuations are discussed.     

The composition of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) milk

Milk was obtained from two captive bred cheetahs. The nutrient content was 99.6 g protein; 64.8 g fat; and 40.21 g lactose per kg milk. Small amounts of oligosaccharides, glucose, galactose and fucose were noted. The protein fraction respectively consisted of 34.2 g caseins per kg milk and of 65.3 g whey proteins per kg milk. Very little variation in milk composition among the individual cheetahs was noted. Electrophoresis and identification of protein bands showed a similar migrating sequence of proteins as seen in lion's and cat's milk, with small differences in the β-caseins. The lipid fraction contains 290.4 g saturated and 337.3 g mono-unsaturated fatty acids per kg milk fat respectively. The high content of 279.5 g kg^− 1 milk fat of polyunsaturated fatty acids is due to a high content in α-linolenic acid. No short chain fatty acids, but substantial levels of uneven carbon chain fatty acids were observed.     

贵州楼梯草属(荨麻科)植物种类组成及分布格局

荨麻科(Urticaceae)楼梯草属(Elatostema)植物种类繁多、形态相似、关系密切,是植物分类学界公认的疑难分类群之一。贵州省地理位置特殊,水热条件较好,喀斯特地貌复杂多变,是我国楼梯草属植物的重要分布区,但一直以来种类不清,分类不明。为进一步理清资源本底及分布特征,该文通过近年调查和查阅资料形成贵州楼梯草属植物名录,分析其物种组成,并基于分布地及海拔数据分析空间分布特征,以期为贵州植物多样性保护以及区系研究提供进一步的基础资料。结果表明:全省赤车类群植物有1组1系7种,楼梯草类群有5组20系69种,分别占全国种类的17.94%、20.78%。楼梯草属植物共76种,其中13种为贵州楼梯草属特有种。在地理分布上,赤车类群主要见于黔北-黔东-黔南部分地区,沿赤水、桐梓、习水、正安-江口、印江-剑河-都匀、荔波-望谟一线,总体分布反呈“C”状; 楼梯草类群植物主要分布在黔北-黔东-黔南-黔西南大部分地区,沿赤水、正安、江口-七星关、开阳、施秉、黄平-兴义、兴仁、安龙、贞丰、望谟、独山、荔波一带分布较多,总体分布呈“三”字状; 楼梯草属特有植物总体呈点状、不均匀分布。该属植物主要分布在海拔600～1 000 m的范围内。     

Seasonal variation of neutral lipids in Pinus sylvestris L. sapwood and heartwood

Summary The lipid levels and fatty acid composition of three fractions (free fatty acids, triacylglycerols and sterol/triterpenoid esters) extracted from the sapwood and heartwood of three stems of Pinus sylvestris were determined to investigate both seasonal changes in sapwood and possible metabolic changes related to heartwood formation. Seasonal changes were observed only in the amount of the free fatty acids in the sapwood: the level of free fatty acids was greatest at the beginning and end of the growing season. In the January and March samples the amount of the free fatty acid fraction in the sapwood was very small. The amount of the other fractions remained at the same level throughout the study. Marked seasonal changes in the fatty acid composition occurred only in the free fatty acid fraction of the sapwood: the saturation grade increased during the winter.