THE SYNTHESIS OF ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS BY PROTOZOA CYCLIDIUM AND GLAUCOMA

Abstract

 Essential fatty acid (EFA), which are vital nutrient for all aquatic animals, have been considered to be produced by algal species in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, ability of EFA biosynthesis of protozoa, Cyclidium sp. and Glaucoma sp. was examined under 1 month culture experiment with Alcaligenes faecalis as EFA deficient diet. Results showed that these protozoa could continuously grow without supply of EFA. Moreover, it is also revealed that Glaucoma sp. and Cyclidium could synthesize 18:2n6, and 18:3n3, 20:5n3, 22:n6n3 de novo, respectively. These findings predicts the role of protozoa as EFA producer for other aquatic animals in the ecosystems where algal production are limited.