Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Steryl and Wax Esters in Germinating Spores of Polytrichum commune

Abstract

Abstract Polytrichum commune spores contained 5.61 ± 0.52 mg steryl and wax esters, including volatile compounds, per 100 mg dry weight of spores. Volatile compounds were not found in 3‐h‐old sporelings. The content of the steryl and wax ester fraction, excluding the volatile compounds, is slightly increased during the first 6 h of germination. Thereafter, the content is decreased throughout the germination. Thus, 3‐day‐old sporelings contained 0.52 ± 0.05 mg steryl and wax esters per 100 mg dry weight of spores. In connection with protonema growth, steryl and wax esters were produced, and the 7‐day‐old cultures contained 5.09 ± 0.37 mg steryl and wax esters per 100 mg dry weight of spores. The main fatty acids of the steryl and wax ester fraction of dry spores and germinating spores as well as of protonemata were palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids. Polyunsaturated C 20 acids were present only in trace or small amounts. Phytanic and phytenic acids were found in small amounts in dry spores, in 3‐ to 72‐h‐old sporelings, and in protonemata.