广东经济鱼类不饱和脂肪酸的含量分析与组成特征评价

采用水解提取-气相色谱法测定鱼肉中脂肪酸的含量和组成,采用元素分析仪-同位素比值质谱法(EA-IRMS)测定鱼肉碳稳定同位素比值(δ~(13)C).开展广东沿海地区主要经济鱼类肌肉脂肪酸的含量分析及组成特征评价研究.研究表明,25种经济鱼类鱼肉中主要含有单不饱和脂肪酸、n-6和n-3系列多不饱和脂肪酸,以及少量反式脂肪酸(TFAs);鱼肉的优势脂肪酸为油酸(OA)、亚油酸(LA)和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA);鲻鱼含有较高的二十碳五烯酸(EPA)和DHA,合计370.0 mg·(100 g)~(-1);鲻鱼鱼肉中TFAs的含量(280.0 mg·(100 g)~(-1))远高于其它品种鱼类;鲢鱼和黑鲷EPA+DHA的含量较高,分别为(154.4±100.0 mg·(100 g)~(-1)和1287±291.1 mg·(100 g)~(-1),两种鱼均具有较好的商业开发价值;统计学分析结果表明了鱼类的不饱和脂肪酸在组成上具有种属差异,揭示了浮游食性的鱼类其鱼肉组织中MUFAs、n-6 PUFAs以及n-3 PUFAs的含量高于底栖食性的鱼类.鱼肉脂肪酸的组成差异较大,表现为品种、空间以及食性差异.建议市民在日常膳食中丰富食鱼的种类和数量,警惕过多地食用单一品种鱼类(尤其是鲻鱼)而导致TFAs摄入过多的风险,从而确保鱼类脂肪酸的平衡摄入.     

多不饱和脂肪酸与粘红酵母低温适应性的关系

以一株粘红酵母(Rhodotorula glutinis)YM25079为研究对象,分析其低温生长适应性与细胞膜流动性、膜脂脂肪酸含量的变化以及多不饱和脂肪酸合成关键基因——Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶基因mRNA转录水平的关系.结果显示,YM25079在5-30℃温度条件下均能生长,最适生长温度为15℃.在15℃培养条件下,YM25079细胞膜流动性没有明显降低,但是多不饱和脂肪酸含量显著提高,由25℃时29.4%增加到15℃时的55.39%,而且15℃时Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶基因mRNA转录水平提高了5倍.这些研究结果表明,粘红酵母YM25079的低温生长适应性可能是通过提高多不饱和脂肪酸合成相关基因的表达水平,增加膜脂中多不饱和脂肪酸含量,维持低温条件下细胞膜的流动性来形成的.     

惠州西湖浮游植物磷脂脂肪酸特征研究

对富营养化水体常见浮游植物进行了分离和培养,测定了其磷脂脂肪酸（PLFA）。同时,检测了惠州西湖浮游植物的磷脂脂肪酸;结合惠州西湖浮游植物群落组成数据,分析了浮游植物磷脂脂肪酸特征及其与浮游植物群落结构的关系。结果表明：结合PLFA与细胞丰度和生物量的分析,α-亚麻酸（18：3ω3）的质量浓度与蓝藻（除湖丝藻外）呈正相关;二十碳四烯酸ARA（20：4ω6）和二十二碳六烯酸DHA（22：6ω3）的质量浓度与硅藻呈正相关;二十碳五烯酸EPA（20：5ω3）和16：3ω3的质量浓度与绿藻呈正相关等,其中16：3ω3为绿藻门独有的脂肪酸。这些均与室内实验得到的结果相符合。本研究表明,磷脂脂肪酸可以作为生物标志物来分析浮游植物组成,它将是一种可行的研究浮游植物群落结构的新方法。     

海洋破囊壶菌△~5-延长酶和△~4-脱饱和酶在酿酒酵母中的共表达

二十二碳六烯酸(Docosahexaenoic acid,DHA C22:6n-3)是具有各种重要生理功能的高度不饱和脂肪酸.分别以质粒pYTFD5和pYFAD4为模板,扩增获得860 bp的△5-延长酶基因(elo5)和1 600 bp的△4-脱饱和酶基因(fad4).利用重叠延伸PCR构建elo5-fad4融合基因,Hind Ⅲ/Sph Ⅰ双酶切后连接到经同样处理过的pYES2.0载体,构建重组表达质粒pYEL05-FAD4.转化酿酒酵母尿嘧啶缺陷型菌株INVScl,通过缺少尿嘧啶的选择性培养基筛选阳性克隆子.添加外源脂肪酸C20:5底物.半乳糖诱导表达.气相色谱-质谱分析表明,重组酵母总脂肪酸中出现了DHA(二十二碳六烯酸,C22:6n-63)新产物,融合基因elo5-fad4在酿酒酵母中得到了表达.图7表1参18     

祁连山“七一”冰川及其周边地区粉尘中脂肪酸的组成及其来源

研究了祁连山"七一"冰川冰雪不溶微粒、冰尘以及"七一"冰川附近表层土壤样品中脂肪酸的类型和分布特征,并探讨了这些介质中脂肪酸的来源.结果表明:脂肪酸碳数分布为C14-C28,以一元低碳数脂肪酸占优势,高碳数脂肪酸的相对含量不高.脂肪酸偶碳优势指数(CPIA)范围介于2.75-31.86,nC20-/nC20 比值介于2.07-18.48,具有明显的偶碳优势.除冰尘样品dust-9和dust-11主峰碳为C18∶ 3外,其它样品的主峰碳均为C16∶ 0,说明本区脂肪酸可能主要以细菌微生物和藻类为主要来源,光化学反应和机动车尾气排放的贡献很少.冰尘中C16和C18不饱和脂肪酸以及C14∶ 0含量都很高,反映了冰尘与冰雪不溶微粒和冰川附近表层土壤化学环境的不同.     

乙酰辅酶A羧化酶:脂肪酸代谢的关键酶及其基因克隆研究进展

乙酰辅酶A羧化酶(Acetyl-CoA carboxylase,ACC)在脂肪酸合成和分解代谢中发挥着重要作用.系统介绍了该酶的结构与分类、生物学作用与应用、抑制剂的类型与作用机理以及基因克隆4个方面的进展.ACC在大多数原核生物中为多亚基型酶,而在大多数真核生物中为多功能型单亚基酶,在天蓝色链霉菌和古菌勤奋金属球菌中为另外两种特殊类型;但都具备3个关键的功能域,即生物素羧化酶(BC)、生物素羧基载体蛋白(BCCP)和羧基转移酶(CT).CT功能域作为潜在的靶标广泛应用于植物除草剂的筛选和哺乳动物肥胖、糖尿病等代谢疾病的药物设计中.ACC基因也成为转基因油料作物和生物柴油研究中重要的靶标基因.研究表明,植物质体中的β-CT亚基是多亚基型ACC的限制因子,而BCCP是脂肪酸合成的负调控因子.油脂的合成代谢十分复杂,且存在反馈抑制机制,因此克隆和表达ACC基因可以提高宿主中ACC的活性,但不一定能显著促进脂肪酸的积累.图2参52     

麻疯树叶绿ω3脂肪酸脱饱和酶基因的克隆和鉴定

根据几个已知的植物ω3脂肪酸脱胞和酶基因序列,利用RT-PCR和RACE技术从麻疯树中克隆了一条编码叶绿体ω3脂肪酸脱饱和酶的cDNA序列.对该序列的分析表明,该cDNA的编码区长1 368bp,编码一个长度为455个氨基酸的蛋白质,推测的蛋白质相对分子质量(Mr)大小为52.1×103.同源分析显示,推测的氨基酸序列与其他物叶绿体脂肪酸脱饱和酶具有很高的相似性.RT-PCR分析表明,该基因在麻疯树叶片中有着稳定的表达.此外,还通过酵母表达系统鉴定了该基因编码的酶的功能.对转基因酵母的脂肪酸组成分析发现,α亚麻酸在转基因酵母中积累.上述结果表明,该麻疯树cDNA编码了一个叶绿体ω3脂肪酸脱饱和酶.     

水葫芦内生细菌脂肪酸生物标记特性研究（Characteristics of PLFA Biomarkers for the Endophyte Bacteria inside Eichhornia crassipe（Mart.）Solms）

应用基于微生物细胞脂肪酸成分鉴定的全自动微生物鉴定系统,鉴定水葫芦内生细菌25株,分属15个属.共检测到27个脂肪酸生物标记(PLFAs),这些生物标记分为4种类型,即(1)高频次分布:在25株细菌中出现13～22次,属于细菌总体类群(general)的生物标记.(2)中频次分布:在25株细菌中出现5～7次,可以用于代表细菌属类群(genus)识别生物标记.(3)低频次分布:在细菌中的分布概率较小,可以用于指示特定细菌种间差异的生物标记.(4)微频次分布:仅在一种细菌种类出现,是细菌种(species)特征生物标记.利用脂肪酸生物标记分析同属细菌不同种的差异,可将微杆菌属分为2类,第1类包括菌株9Microbacterium barkeri和11Microbacterium imperiale,这两个菌株17:0ISO和14:0ISO的脂肪酸生物标记含量均为0.第2类包括10Microbacterium esteraromaticum、12Microbacterium lacticum和13Microbacterium liquefaciens,这3个菌株均含有17:0ISO脂肪酸生物标记而区别于第一类菌株.利用脂肪酸生物标记的差异对25株内生细菌进行聚类分析,可将水葫芦内生细菌类群分为4类.不同植物内生菌群落中存在着特异的生物标记,利用特征脂肪酸生物标记的分析方法,分析水葫芦内生细菌的群体特性,对于植物内生菌微生物群落的研究具有重要意义.     

粘红酵母△12-脂肪酸脱氢酶基因的克隆和表达

Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶一般特异性催化在油酸的Δ12位引入双键转变成亚油酸.为了从粘红酵母YM25079中克隆全长Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶基因序列,参考已知的Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶基因序列设计基因特异性引物,通过PCR扩增获得到全长为1 353 bp的c DNA序列,序列分析结果表明该序列具有一个编码450个氨基酸的完整开放阅读框,所编码蛋白质的大小为50.9×103.与报道的Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶一样,推测的氨基酸序列具有膜整合脂肪酸脱氢酶特异性的3个组氨酸保守区,表明该序列为一个新的编码Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶的基因.为了验证其功能,把开放阅读框序列亚克隆到表达载体p YES3/CT,构建重组表达载体p YRGD12,并转化到酿酒酵母的缺陷型菌株INVScl进行表达.脂肪酸气相色谱(GC)分析表明,该序列所编码的蛋白质具有Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶活性,能将油酸转化为亚油酸,亚油酸的含量占酵母总脂肪酸的4.31%.以上结果表明,PCR所获得序列是新的Δ12-脂肪酸脱氢酶基因.     

流动沙漠腹地咸水滴灌林地土壤微生物的种群特征

土壤微生物种群结构和多样性研究是了解土壤物质和能量状况的重要途径之一.本文选择磷脂脂肪酸甲酯法和培养计数法,对塔里木沙漠公路防护林地土壤微生物种群特征作了分析.旨在为沙漠公路防护林地的稳定性建设提供理论支持.结果表明,塔里木沙漠公路防护林地建设后土壤微生物数量明显增加,防护林定植年限越长,土壤微生物数量越大,且细菌是优势类群,数量远大于放线菌和真菌.防护林地的建设促进了土壤微生物脂肪酸多样性的提高,脂肪酸种类显著增加,但土层间无明显差异.C14∶0、C15∶0、C16∶0、C17∶0、C18:1ω9、C18∶0、C18∶20ω6和C21∶0是林地土壤微生物脂肪酸的优势种,经主成分分析和回归分析后得出C14∶0、C16∶0、C18∶0可有效指示土壤微生物总数量;C15∶0、C17∶0可用来标记土壤细菌和放线菌;而C18∶1ω9和C18∶2ω6与土壤真菌密切相关.磷脂脂肪酸甲酯法研究结果能够较好地反映塔里木沙漠公路防护林地土壤微生物的种群结构变化.图2表4参17     

Fatty acid composition of marine macroalgae from the Black Sea and Dardanelles

The fatty acid (FA) composition was determined in 14 species of marine macroalgae belonging to the Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta, which were collected from ?ile in the Black Sea and Kepez in the Dardanelles. Generally, polyunsaturated FAs and monounsaturated FAs were major components (50–77%). Total saturated FAs ranged from 22% to 50%, with 16?:?0 as the most abundant saturate (32–38%). Two samples of Cystoseira barbata collected from a different station had some differences from each other in their contents of 18?:?2n-6 and 18?:?3n-3 and in the 18?:?2n-6/20?:?4n-6 ratios. Green algal species had a significantly higher proportion of unsaturated FAs and a significantly lower proportion of saturated FAs than the red and brown algae. The amount of n-3 FAs was significantly higher in Ulva rigita, Chaetomorpha linum, Enteromorpha linza and Gracilaria verrucosa (8.88, 6.44, 5.31 and 5.24, respectively).     

δ13C and fatty acid composition of mesopelagic fishes in the South China Sea and their influence factors

Study of the ecology of mesopelagic fishes is central for assessing the active biological pump in the ocean, especially in the mesopelagic layers. The use of δ¹³C and fatty acid analysis can help to analysis the ecology of mesopelagic fishes. Here, we analysed the fatty acid composition of mesopelagic fishes from the continental northern slope of the South China Sea (NSSCS) and compared with nearshore SCS fishes and mesopelagic fishes collected from the Southern Ocean. The mesopelagic fishes had unusually high lipids, which resulted in Δδ¹³C values exceeding 1‰, more than the enrichment factor in the food web. The mesopelagic fishes had higher C18:1n-9/C18:1n-7 and C20:1n-9/ C18:1n-7 ratios compared with other fishes in the SCS, which confirmed that plankton were their main dietary source. The mesopelagic fishes from SCS and Southern Ocean had different ratios of C20:5n-3/C22:6n-3 (EPA/DHA), suggesting geographical locations and diet sources had obvious influence on their fatty acid composition. The SCS mesopelagic fishes had higher C20:4n-6/C22:6n-3 (ARA/DHA) and C20:4n-6/C20:5n-3 (ARA/EPA) ratios than mesopelagic fishes in the Southern Ocean, indicating the influence of physical factors on fatty acid composition. Thus, future studies of the fatty acids in mesopelagic fishes should consider both dietary sources and physical environments.     

Seasonal patterns in fatty acids of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calanus hyperboreus</Emphasis> (Copepoda,Calanoida) from Cumberland Sound,Baffin Island,Nunavut

The marine copepod Calanus hyperboreus accumulates large quantities of lipids and essential fatty acids during summer months in Northern oceans. However, few data exist regarding their winter fatty acid profiles, which could be informative regarding the use of lipids by C. hyperboreus to successfully survive and reproduce during times of ice-cover and limited food. The present study compared fatty acids of C. hyperboreus between summer (August 2007 and 2008) and winter (early April 2008 and 2009) in Cumberland Sound, Canada. Summer samples from both years had significantly higher ∑polyunsaturated fatty acids and unsaturation indices (based on μg fatty acid mg dry tissue⁻¹) than winter samples and separated on a principal component analysis due to higher 18:2n-6, 18:4n-3, and 20:5n-3, consistent with phytoplankton consumption. Winter C. hyperboreus had significantly higher ∑monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) versus summer samples and separated on the principal component analysis due to higher proportions of 16:1n-7, 20:1n-9, and 22:1n-9, suggesting they were not actively feeding. Based on the seasonal fatty acid comparison, C. hyperboreus was catabolizing specific fatty acids (e.g. 20:5n-3), conserving others (e.g. 22:6n-3), and maintaining or increasing biosynthesis of certain MUFA (e.g. 18:1n-9) during winter. These findings provide insight into the seasonal strategy of acquisition (summer) and utilization (winter) of specific fatty acids by a key Arctic organism and could become important for monitoring changes in fatty acids associated with decreased ice-cover duration due to climate warming.     

Sources and major biogeochemical pathways of organic matter in the mangrove system of Rufiji estuary

Fatty acids were extracted from the surface sediments (10 cm) of three sampling sites of Rufiji estuary to infer their sources and biogeochemical pathways. The fatty acids ranging from C₈ to C₂₄ were distinguished from this study, and were broadly classified into saturated (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). SFAs were found to be the major fraction at station 1 and 3 where as at station 2, MUFAs dominated. A total of 19 fatty acids with a total concentration of 64.91 μg/g dry weight were characterised at station 1. C_16:0 was the most abundant fatty acid contributing 21.94% of total fatty acids (TFAs). C_22:2 was the second most abundant, which accounted for 9.46% of TFAs. Fatty acids ranging from C₁₂ to C₂₄ were identified at station 2. C₂₀ fatty acid was the most abundant fatty acid contributing 21.94%, followed by C_16:0. At station 3, fatty acids ranging from C₈ to C₂₄ were obtained. The PUFA C_20:5n-3 was the most abundant fatty acid contributing 21.65%, followed by C_24:0 (15.00% of TFAs). The ratio of lower molecular weight (LMW) to higher molecular weight (HMW) biomarkers was used as an indicators to distinguish higher plants organic matter from algae-derived fatty acids.     

On the lipid biochemistry of polar copepods: compositional differences in the Antarctic calanoids Euchaeta antarctica and Euchirella rostromagna

During austral summer of 1985 different developmental stages (CIII, CIV, CV, females, males) of the Antarctic copepod Euchaeta antarctica and females of Euchirella rostromagna were collected in the southeastern Weddell Sea to determine their lipid contents and compositions. For E. antarctica the analyses revealed a strong ontogenetic accumulation of lipids towards the older copepodids with highest lipid contents in late CV stages and adults. The females of E. rostromagna had moderate lipid levels. The most striking difference between these two species concerns their lipid class compositions. E. antarctica deposited predominantly wax esters, whereas in E. rostromagna the major lipid class consisted of triacylglycerols, an unusual storage lipid in polar marine copepods. Principal fatty acids in E. antarctica were the monounsaturates 18:1(n-9) and 16:1(n-7), especially in the lipid-rich stages, while the polyunsaturated fatty acids 20:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3), usually membrane lipids, dominated in the lipid-poor stages. The wax ester moieties in E. antarctica consisted almost entirely of 14:0 and 16:0 fatty alcohols. Major components in E. rostromagna were the fatty acids 18:1(n-9), 16:0, 20:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3). The potential of fatty acids and alcohols as typical trophic markers is rendered largely insignificant in the two species due to catabolic processes.     

Variation in the lipid content of wild-caught females of the marine shrimpPenaeus kerathurus during sexual maturation

Changes in total lipids, lipid classes and their fatty acid contents were studied in the ovaries and midgut glands ofPenaeus kerathurus Forskäl females during sexual maturation. The shrimp were captured in the Gulf of Cádiz (southwest Spain) in 1990. The lipid content and fatty acids, in relative terms, increased during ovarian development. The greatest changes occurred between Maturation Stages III and IV. Ovarian lipids were dominated by polar classes, whereas in the midgut gland the major classes were triacylglycerols and sterol esters. The amounts of major fatty acids in ovaries (16:0, 16:1n-7, 18:1n-9, 18:1n-7, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3) increased with increasing maturity, but declined slightly between Stages III and IV. The total polar lipid content of the midgut was 5.7% (by dry weight) and its fatty acid composition remained constant during the whole study period. Total lipid content of the midgut gland showed an upward trend during sexual maturation, except between Stages II and III, when a slight decrease was observed. Predominant fatty acids in the midgut gland (16:1n-7, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3) displayed a noteworthy decline between Stages II and III, corresponding with the marked increase in total lipid fatty acid content in the ovaries during the same period.     

Factors determining the hatching success of Antarctic krill <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euphausia superba</Emphasis> embryo: lipid and fatty acid composition

The present study addresses the effect of maternal diet on hatching success and condition of embryos and larvae of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. Lipid and fatty acid content and composition were determined in field and laboratory samples. Developmental stages analyzed in embryos included: multiple-cell, gastrula, and limb-bud stages. Larval stages analyzed included: nauplius I, nauplius II, and metanauplius. Laboratory-reared embryos were spawned by gravid females incubated under three feeding groups: (1) phytoplankton mixture, (2) phytoplankton mixture and minced clam, and (3) phytoplankton mixture, minced clam, and commercial larval food. Hatching success was highest in group 3 (100%), lowest in group 1 (0%), and highly variable in field samples (0–48%). Lipid decreased slightly in embryos during embryonic development, while large decreases in lipid were found during nauplius development. High levels of 18:2(n-6), 20:4(n-6), and 22:6(n-3) observed with group 3 samples coincided with high hatching success in krill embryos. The ratio of 22:6(n-3)/20:5(n-3) also correlated to hatching success of embryos. The fatty acid profile of embryos in group 3 was similar to that of the field-collected embryos, reflecting the contribution of the commercial larval food in the maternal diet. In our study, the maternal diet was found to influence the fatty acid composition of embryos and in turn affects the hatching success of krill. Specific polyunsaturated fatty acids appeared to play important roles in embryogenesis in krill.     

Bacterial Degradation of Vegetable Oils

Following initial experiments presented elsewhere (2IOPS), the bacterial degradation of two vegetable oils was investigated in some detail. the number of aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria, oil degrading and sulphate reducing bacteria were quantified during simulated spills on a salt marsh. the sediment fatty acid composition was also studied using GC-MS analysis. Degradation of linseed and sunflower oils was concomitant with an increase in the numbers of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Fatty acids analysis revealed preferential degradation of the principal components of the oils (18:3ω3 for linseed oil and 18:2ω6 for sunflower oil). the presence of several isomers of the usual polyunsaturated fatty acids was also detected. the identification of some of these new fatty acids has been carried out. Possible pathways of degradation of these vegetable oils are suggested.     

Bacterial Degradation of Vegetable Oils

Following initial experiments presented elsewhere (2IOPS), the bacterial degradation of two vegetable oils was investigated in some detail. the number of aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria, oil degrading and sulphate reducing bacteria were quantified during simulated spills on a salt marsh. the sediment fatty acid composition was also studied using GC-MS analysis. Degradation of linseed and sunflower oils was concomitant with an increase in the numbers of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Fatty acids analysis revealed preferential degradation of the principal components of the oils (18:3ω3 for linseed oil and 18:2ω6 for sunflower oil). the presence of several isomers of the usual polyunsaturated fatty acids was also detected. the identification of some of these new fatty acids has been carried out. Possible pathways of degradation of these vegetable oils are suggested.     

Ontogenetic and seasonal changes in lipid and fatty acid/alcohol compositions of the dominant Antarctic copepods Calanus propinquus,Calanoides acutus and Rhincalanus gigas

Lipid compositions of the dominant Antarctic copepods Calanoides acutus, Rhincalanus gigas and Calanus propinquus from the Weddell Sea have been investigated in great detail. Copepods were collected during summer in 1985 and late spring/early winter in 1986. The analyses revealed specific adaptations in the lipid biochemistry of these species which result in very different lipid components. The various copepodite stages of C. acutus synthesize wax esters with long-chain monounsaturated moieties and especially the alcohols consisted mainly of 20:1(n-9) and 22:1(n-11). R. gigas also generates wax esters, but with moieties of shorter chain length. The fatty alcohols consisted mainly of 14:0 and 16:0 components, while the major fatty acids were 20:5, 18:4 and 22:6, of which 18:4 probably originated from dietary input. In contrast, C. propinquus accumulates triacylglycerols, a very unusual depot lipid in polar calanoid copepods. Major fatty acids in C. propinquus were the long-chain monounsaturates 22:1(n-9) and 22:1(n-11), which may comprise up to 50% of total fatty acids. In C. acutus and C. propinquus there was a clear increase of long-chain fatty acids with increasing developmental stage. In contrast, the fatty acid and alcohol composition of the R. gigas copepodite stages were characterized by the dominance of the polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as high amounts of the monounsaturates 18:1(n-9) and 16:1(n-7). There was a considerable decrease of the dietary fatty acid 18:4(n-3) towards the older stages during summer; in late winter/early spring 18:4 was only detected in very low amounts. This tendency was also found in the other two species, but was less pronounced. In all three species dry weight and lipid content increased exponentially from younger to older stages. The highest portion of wax esters, or of triacylglycerols in C. propinquus, was found in the adults. Dry weight and lipid content were generally higher during summer. In late winter/early spring the variability was more pronounced and lipid-rich specimens showed a selective retention of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids, whereas in lipid-poor specimens these fatty acids were very much depleted.