Fatty acids and other lipids of corals: Composition, distribution, and biosynthesis

This paper reviews the literature data on the composition, structure, and distribution of the main lipid classes and their fatty acids in reef-building and soft corals and in hydrocorals of the genus Millepora. The review presents information about more than 150 coral species from tropical and cold waters of the World Ocean, as well as data on the influence of environmental factors on the lipid compositions of corals. The possible pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in corals are discussed.