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Wax esters in two species of freshwater zooplankton
Author(s) -
Cavaletto Joann F.,
Vanderploeg Henry A.,
Gardner Wayne S.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 1939-5590
pISSN - 0024-3590
DOI - 10.4319/lo.1989.34.4.0785
Subject(s) - zooplankton , copepod , wax , biology , wax ester , hypolimnion , crustacean , ecology , zoology , nutrient , biochemistry , eutrophication
Livid classes were determined in three Lake Michigan hypolimnetic calanoid copepods, Limnocalanus macrurus, Diaptomus sicilis, and Senecella calanoides. Limnocalanus macrurus and S. calanoides contained large stores of wax esters (57–80% of total lipid). Wax esters in this amount have not previously been reported for freshwater zooplankton. Diaptomus sicilis exhibits a typical freshwater lipid profile and contains triacylglycerols as its lipid reserves. Lipid storage sites are morphologically different in the copepods. Limnocalanus macrurus and S. calanoides store their wax esters in a large sac that surrounds the intestine, whereas D. sicilis maintains lipid droplet morphology typical of freshwater “triacylglycerol‐storing” zooplankton. Limnocalanus macrurus and S. calanoides are “glacial relicts,” which may explain the origin of their typically marine wax ester lipid class.