Sterol and fatty acid distribution in red algae from the senegalese coast

Abstract 1. 1. The composition of fatty acids and sterols of 12 algae species from the Senegalese coast and belonging to four orders was investigated with capillary gas chromatography. 2. 2. More than 45 fatty acids were identified of which 16:0 20:5ω3, 20:4ω6, 16:1ω7, 18:1ω9, 18:1ω7 and 14:0 predominate in most samples. 3. 3. The Solieriaceae is characterized by the presence of cyclopentyl ang ω-5 monounsaturated fatty acids. 4. 4. Twelve sterols were identified with cholesterol as the major component; relative high contents of C-27, C-28, or C-29 sterols were found in some species.