Aquatic hyphomycetes: a potential source of polyunsaturated fatty acids in detritus-based stream food webs
To date, aquatic hyphomycetes have mainly been considered as a source of carbohydrates, mineral elements and proteins for detritivores in detritus-based headwater streams. Yet, consumers are highly dependent on other molecules, such as essential fatty acids, to complete their biological cycle. These...
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| Published in: | Fungal ecology 2015-02, Vol.13, p.205-210 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | To date, aquatic hyphomycetes have mainly been considered as a source of carbohydrates, mineral elements and proteins for detritivores in detritus-based headwater streams. Yet, consumers are highly dependent on other molecules, such as essential fatty acids, to complete their biological cycle. These molecules might be limiting in detritus-based ecosystems since they are primarily synthesized by autotrophic organisms. We investigated: (i) if aquatic hyphomycetes are able to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); and (ii) if the abundance of phosphorus, often considered as a limiting factor in headwater streams, could affect the proportions of PUFAs in aquatic hyphomycetes. All hyphomycete species tested synthesized high amounts of PUFAs (C18 omega 3 and omega 6) and the proportions of these essential fatty acids varied with P availability. This study sheds new light on the importance of aquatic hyphomycetes in the detritus-based stream food web, but also on potential co-variations between mineral nutrient limitation and the availability of essential fatty acids for consumers. |
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| ISSN: | 1754-5048 |