Seasonal variation of lipid content and fatty acid profiles in the ark shell Arca noae (Arcida: Arcidae) byssus: Implications for adhesive properties
Ghribi, F.; Chetoui, I.; Bejaoui, S.; Boussoufa, D.; Trabelsi, W.; Belhassen, D.; Soudani, N.; El Cafsi, M. (2025). Seasonal variation of lipid content and fatty acid profiles in the ark shell Arca noae (Arcida: Arcidae) byssus: Implications for adhesive properties. Biologia 80(6): 1435-1442. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11756-025-01909-4
In: Biologia. Springer: Bratislava. ISSN 0006-3088; e-ISSN 1336-9563, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Ghribi, F.
- Chetoui, I.
- Bejaoui, S.
- Boussoufa, D.
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- Trabelsi, W.
- Belhassen, D.
- Soudani, N.
- El Cafsi, M.
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| Abstract |
The byssus is a bundle of fibers that bivalves produce to anchor themselves to submerged surfaces underwater. In this study, the total lipid content (TL) and the fatty acid (FA) composition of the byssus of the bivalve Noah's ark shell (Arca noae) were determined. Results showed that TL content was higher in winter than in summer. The FA profile of ark shells byssus was dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) followed by saturated (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). The unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) ranged from 36.80% to 47.57%, while SFAs ranged from 22.95% to 31.46%. PUFAs levels varied inversely to SFAs levels during seasons as a decrease in SFAs and an increase in PUFAs levels were recorded during the cold season. Ark shells appear to counteract the effect of temperature (T°C) on the structure of the membrane by increasing SFA with increasing temperature and increasing PUFAs at low temperatures to maintain the fluidity of cell membranes. Consequently, we suppose that the significant presence of winter PUFAs in the byssus likely contributes to its flexibility and elasticity during colder seasons, while SFAs could bolster its strength and rigidity during warmer periods (summer). Examining the lipid composition and fatty acid profile of bivalve byssus offers valuable insights into its structural integrity, flexibility, and functional capabilities. This understanding plays an important role in deciphering bivalve behavior, population dynamics, and ecosystems interactions. |
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