Lipid metabolism of the yellow clam, Mesodesma mactroides: 3-saturated fatty acids and acetate metabolism

Abstract

The fate of labeled palmitate, stearate, and acetate administered to the yellow clam, Mesodesma mactroides, was investigated. 1(-14)C palmitic and 1(-14)C stearic acids were oxidized to CO2 to a limited extent. They were mainly incorporated in diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols and were converted to higher homologs. After administration, palmitic acid was converted to stearic and oleic acids, whereas administered stearic acid was converted to 18:1, 18:2, 20:1, and 20:2 acids. Labeled acetate was readily included by the clam in 12:0, 14:0, 14:1, 15:0, 16:1, 16:1, 16:2, 18:2, 18:1, 18:2, 20:1, 20:2, and 20:3 acids.