Cell membrane localization of sterols with conventional and unusual side chains in two marine demonsponges

Subcellular fractionation by differential centrifugation was performed on two previously unstudied marine sponges that predominantly contain either conventional (Reniera sp.) or unconventional (Pseudaxinyssa sp.) sterols. Direct evidence for the presence of unconventional sterols with C₂₄ alkylated side chains in the cellular membranes ofPseudaxinyssa sp. is provided, but the presence of unconventional sterols in sponge membranes is shown not to be a universal feature of the Porifera. Possible structural and functional roles of unconventional lipid molecules in sponge cell membranes are discussed. Part 5 of “Sterols in Marine Invertebrates”. Fort Part 58 in this series, see Cho, J.-H., and Djerassi, C. (1987)J. Org. Chem. 52, 4517–4521.