Modification of fatty acid composition of lipid accumulating yeasts with cyclopropene fatty acid desaturase inhibitors

Summary The effect of cyclopropene fatty acids, sterculic and malvalic, on the lipids of yeasts grown under nitrogen limiting, lipid accumulating, conditions was studied. The ratio of stearic to oleic acid showed a dose response effect, with an increase in stearic acid content as the dose of cyclopropene fatty acid increased, and a corresponding reduction in oleic acid. Linoleic and linolenic acids were not affected to the same extent. These effects are shown for the yeasts Candida sp. 107, Trichosporon cutaneum, and Rhodosporidium toruloides.