Lipid composition of maturing and elongate liverwort sporophytes

The setae of Lophocolea heterophylla sporophytes undergo rapid cell elongation with no net loss of lipid. Glycerolipids and sterol esters are the predominant lipids present in unelorigate setae. Phospho- and glycolipids increase dramatically with respect to total lipid during elongation and thus reflect membrane increases. Unusual polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic) are conspicuous constituents of these lipids.