ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the intermediary metabolism in echinoderms in the context of both adult and embryonic systems. Knowledge of intermediary metabolism in echinoderms is limited especially in terms of metabolism in adult organisms. Catabolism and biosynthesis of small molecules will be reviewed in detail. As very little information exists concerning macromolecular biosynthesis in adult echinoderms and as recent reviews on this subject dealing with embryonic systems have appeared, discussion of macromolecular biosynthesis will be limited to those points which relate directly to catabolism and biosynthesis. The overall goal of this review is to outline the major features of intermediary metabolism in echinoderms, pointing out areas which are in need of further research. Characterization of these pathways would be most revealing especially in those species which are highly tolerant to exposure to anoxic conditions or have internal tissues which are continually bathed in hypoxic coelomic fluid.
