Ucsc study analyzes lipids and fatty acids found in Lenga . crustaceans

in the magazine Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A (CBP) A comparison of lipids and fatty acids between tissues of two species of semi-terrestrial crustaceans that reveals ecophysiological adaptations in changing coastal environments has been published, a research paper Natalia VinaPrincipal marine biologist developed her dissertation as a PhD student with a major in Biodiversity and Bioresources in Faculty of Science, Catholic University of the Holy Cord (Ucsc)take out the doctor Angel Orzoa.

work comparison Conditions for the Existence of Two Crustaceans in Different Habitats in the Bay of Lenga de HualpénIt is a coastal tourism sector whose economy is supported by artisanal fisheries and gastronomy kitchens that feature the same marine products collected by fishermen. it’s about Hemigrapsus crenulatus NS Cyclograpsus cinereus, the first is estuarine crab and the second is a tidal rock type. Natalia Vina says that both Miscellaneous crabs are widely distributed, they can be found from north to south in Chile and are very abundant in tidal and estuaries.and ecosystems, which he defines asIt has been little studied and in Chile it is little protected and, in general, with great human impactFrom there he warns of it Both are essential in the diet of domestic and migratory birds, fish, and other commercially important invertebrates. So, if they disappear, the species associated with them can do so as well.”, revealing its transcendent environmental role.

consequences

The premise is that Living things are what they eat and that food is determined by the habitat, As the availability and/or quality of food (or prey) present for consumption depends on it. confirms it Fats and fatty acids are indicators of diet, lifestyle, or health status Of the species, in this case both crab. “Fats and fatty acids are organic compounds whose main function is to store energy. These energy stores are produced from the food of these organisms,” he explains, and also thatThey help build diverse tissues, as all cell membranes are made of phospholipids, and they play important roles in the development, growth and reproduction of these species.”

In fact, one notable finding is that despite being close to species, They have significant differences in the presence of some fatty acids in one species and not in another, which indicates differences in their habitats and diets. The study verified that the tidal system has a diet based on marine and estuarine resources mixed between marine and riverine, as its habitat contains discharges from these sources.

Since it can indicate whether an individual is healthy or experiencing some stress that affects his health or performance, Natalia Vina asserts that “Apparently, estuarine species can show tissues low in lipids associated with the presence of heavy metals and hydrocarbons in the Linga estuary”, so the results show that “An ecosystem in poor condition provides a poor diet and a health system provides good food availability. So, when low lipid content is found in a species, birds, fish and other invertebrates downstream or tides and even us, are affected, Because some organisms are part of the diet of Lenga residents and tourists,” he warns.

Contribution and the new unknown

Crustaceans are of great ecological importance: “We can find it from Antarctica to tropical forests, from the deepest ocean trenches to high mountain lakes. They have developed different life strategies and have been able to successfully colonize different ecosystems, being fundamental to the diet of many organisms, including us.Natalia Vina, who taught Lenga ceramic lobster in her master’s degree, also taught at Ucsc. However, They are a little studied species Regarding the varonidus he examined, he confirmed that only fatty acids were analyzed downstream of Puerto Cisnes (Aisen region).

Thus, the results contribute to knowledge, to promote its preservation and glimpse Potential as a vital resource Due to the presence of essential fatty acids for the sake of man. “Knowing the diversity of these acids gives us an idea of ​​the quality of the food that we can find in Linga Bay, where a variety of essential fatty acids were obtained in both types”, he argues, revealing that, for this reason, the study opens up questions it thinks necessary to answer such as whether there is a difference in lipids and fatty acids between its populations from north to southern Chile or in the face of pollution, resource extraction, or changes in environmental variables such as temperature , among other things being modified by climate change.

*the Essential fatty acids are essential for development and health Throughout people’s life cycle, such as omega type, but the human body cannot produce it and It is obtained only through diet or supplements.