Abstract
STEROID glycosides with surface active properties have been isolated from extracts of the starfish, Marthasterias glacialis, by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography1,2. These saponins induce avoidance reactions in the mollusc, Buccinum undatum, and may play a part in reducing predation by the starfish on this mollusc and other marine organisms. Mackie3 has discussed the possible significance of this type of interaction in relation to pollution studies. Partial characterization of one of the major glycosides showed it to be a mixed conjugate of a Δ24-23-ketocholestane derivative2. In this communication we discuss the composition of the glycoside mixture and evidence for the nuclear structure of the aglycone.
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