Abstract.
The Hexactinellida ('glass sponges') are commonly considered to be the most basic metazoans. Steroids of 20 species from different taxa were studied for chemotaxonomy and biosynthetic implications. All Hexactinellida contain cholest-5-en-3β-ol (cholesterol) and/or its saturated derivative 5α(H)-cholestan-3β-ol, along with their C-24-alkylated homologues. Where 5α(H)-stanols are present, they regularly co-occur with their 3-keto analogues. The steroid concentrations generally decrease with increasing carbon numbers, similar to sterol distributions typically found in marine sediments. These features argue against de novo sterol biosynthesis operating in hexactinellid sponges. Rather, we suggest a dietary uptake of Δ5-stenols and their stereoselective transformation via 3-keto intermediates to 5α(H)-stanols.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Blumenberg, M., Thiel, V., Pape, T. et al. The steroids of hexactinellid sponges. Naturwissenschaften 89, 415–419 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-002-0343-x
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-002-0343-x