The lipid components of Candida boidinii and Hansenula polymorpha grown on methanol

Abstract

The lipid contents of Candida boidinii and Hansenula polymorpha grown on 2% glucose were low. Increased quantities were present in C. boidinii grown on 1 or 4% methanol and in H. polymorpha on 1% methanol. The lipid compositions of both yeasts were characterized by low levels of triacylglycerol and high contents of unsaturated fatty acid and phospholipid. Growth on methanol did not affect the quantity of total phospholipid in C. boidinii, but resulted in a decreased value for H. polymorpha grown on 4% methanol. Modification of the phospholipid composition of both yeasts involved a general increase in the phosphatidylserine–phosphatidylinositol levels at the expense of phosphatidylcholine. The possible relationship between the phospholipid component and the development of membranous systems accompanying growth on methanol has been considered.