CAROTENOIDS AND CHLOROPHYLLIC PIGMENTS IN THE MARINE SNAIL, CERITHIDEA CALIFORNICA HALDEMAN, INTERMEDIATE HOST FOR SEVERAL AVIAN TREMATODES ,

Abstract

1. Evidences obtained from chromatography, spectrophotometric absorption analyses, partition tests, etc. suggested the occurrence of the following pigments in the marine snail, Cerithidea californica: β-carotene, carotenoid acids, ketocarotenoids, lutein, and chlorophyll derivatives.2. In an attempt to understand the dietary relationship of pigmentation in the snail, four species of algae were studied for their pigment contents. The three green algae were found to contain chlorophyll a and b, β-carotene, and lutein; the red alga, chlorophyll a and d, β-carotene, lutein, and phycobilins.3. The spectral properties of the chlorophyll derivatives recovered from the snail suggested that they are derived from chlorophyll a of the algae and that the molecular structure is still intact with the magnesium atom atached to it. However, absorption maxima in the violet region of the spectrum are shifted toward shorter, and in the red toward longer wave lengths, indicating some metabolic change in these pigments, possibly oxidation.4. Part of the lutein and carotenoid acids were found to be esterified in the digestive gland and mantle tissues. No metabolic alteration has been noticed in the case of β-carotene. All available evidence suggests that zeaxanthin, carotenoid acids, and keto-carotenoids are products of the snail's metabolic activities.5. Apparently the snails do not absorb phycobilins or chlorophyll d from the red alga.6. The snail has been found to be non-selective in its chromatic storage.7. The nutritional relationship and biological significance of pigments in the snail have been discussed.