Main sterols from the echinoidEncope emarginata

Abstract The hitherto undescribed sterol composition of the masticatory apparatus and the body of the echinoid Encope emarginata was studied, revealing the presence of common 3β-hydroxy sterols. A comparison between the sterol composition of both mixtures shows the presence of very small amounts of cholestan-3β-ol and cholest-4-en-3-one in the masticatory apparatus only. These had not previously been detected in sand dollars.