Figure 5.

Possible scenario for utilization of DGCC in giant clams

A schematic diagram of metabolic flow in T. crocea. Symbiotic algae fix carbons and biosynthesize GCC followed by DGCC. The algal cells are culled, transported, and digested in DD. Algal DGCC can be hydrolyzed to form GCC, which is reacylated to form DGCC with new acyl substituents (remodeling). Newly formed DGCCs are redistributed to each organ to be incorporated into the plasma membrane. In phosphorus (P)-deficient conditions, the use of DGCC allows consumption of PC as an extra source of P.