Abstract
Total lipids were extracted from freshly collected Metridium senile (L.) in September, November, February, and June. The neutral lipid profile as well as total content was determined in each of these months. With the exception of June, the larger anemones contained less lipid as a percentage of the wet weight than did the smaller animals. In June the anemones contained the highest level of total lipid and a large part of this was sterol. In February, total lipid was also higher as a result of the increased wax ester content. Triglyceride levels remained relatively constant throughout the year while the wax ester content was found to vary both with season and temperature. Both triglyceride and wax ester levels were low in June, when sterol content was high, suggesting sexual reproduction at this time of the year. It is postulated that triglycerides serve as the primary lipid energy reserve in Metridium, while wax esters function in a secondary capacity, being called upon in times of metabolic stress such as sexual reproduction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
