SEASONAL-VARIATIONS IN LIPIDS OF XANTHORIA-PARIETINA GROWING AT HIGH ELEVATIONS

Seasonal variations (from spring to winter) in the total lipid content , polar, non-polar and neutral lipids were detected in Xanthoria parie tina growing naturally at high elevation in the northwestern Italian A lps (Piedmont). Various lipid classes were separated and the correspon ding fatty acid methyl esters were analysed by GC-MS. The results obta ined confirmed a clear response of the lipid metabolism of X. parietin a growing at high elevations to changing seasonal environmental factor s. They also indicated a typical increase in total lipid content from spring to winter and a direct relationship between the degree of fatty acid unsaturation and high temperature and precipitation levels.