Distribution and biochemistry of alditols in the genusPelvetia(phaeophyceae, fucales)

The distribution of C6- and C7-alditols among species of the genus Pelvetia has been investigated. The noticeable occurrence of volemitol is restricted to Pelvetia canaliculata (L.) Dcne & Thur. This species is thus the only marine algae investigated in detail containing a heptitol as accumulation product. The physiological and taxonomic implications of volemitol in Pelvetia canaliculata are discussed.