NONMETHYLENE-INTERRUPTED FATTY-ACIDS OF HYDROCARBON SEEP MUSSELS - OCCURRENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE

1. Characterization of fatty acid composition of hydrocarbon seep mussels reveals that the mussels contained a striking diversity of nonmethylene-interrupted dienoic (NMID) and trienoic (NMIT) fatty acids. 2. The concentrations of the NMI acids are unusually high, accounting for 12.2-17.7% of the total fatty acids. 3. The NMI acids are primarily omega7 and omega9 series, and the position of double bonds of the NMI acids are primarily at or near the center of the fatty acyl chains. 4. The biosynthesis of NMI acids and their physiological significance are discussed.