Abstract

Lipid synthesis in oleaginous microorganisms is a complex process that involves intricate metabolic pathways and cellular biology. These microorganisms possess the remarkable ability to accumulate large quantities of lipids, which have significant industrial applications. Understanding the metabolism and cell biology of lipid synthesis in oleaginous microorganisms is crucial for optimizing lipid production and harnessing their potential as sustainable sources of energy and valuable compounds. The primary metabolic pathway involved in lipid synthesis is the de novo fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. This pathway converts acetyl CoA into fatty acids through a series of enzymatic reactions. Oleaginous microorganisms exhibit unique metabolic adaptations, such as the ability to accumulate lipids under nutrient rich conditions, particularly nitrogen limited or excess carbon conditions. Under these circumstances, excess carbon is channeled towards fatty acid synthesis, leading to lipid accumulation in intracellular lipid droplets. Regulation of lipid synthesis is a finely tuned process influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Transcriptional regulators, including sterol regulatory element binding proteins and peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, modulate the expression of lipid biosynthesis genes.

Keywords: Lipid synthesis; Metabolism; Cell biology; Biofuel production; Lipid accumulation