温度、光照和盐度对2株曼氏骨条藻生长及脂肪酸组成的影响

研究温度、光照、盐度对2株曼氏骨条藻（Skeletonema munzelii）SM-1、SM-2生长、总脂含量及脂肪酸组成的影响,以确定其生长及油脂、多不饱和脂肪酸积累的最适生态条件。在实验室智能光照培养箱内不充气培养控制条件下,采用单因子试验分别研究了不同温度（10、15、20、25和30℃）、光照强度（20、40、60、80、100和120μmol/m2·s）、盐度（10、15、20、25、30、35和40）对2株藻的生长、总脂含量及脂肪酸组成的影响。结果表明：不同温度、光照强度及盐度对2株藻的生长、总脂及脂肪酸含量影响均有显著影响（P〈0.05）。藻株SM-1生长的最适温度为25℃,最适光强60μmol/m2·s,最适盐度30,而低温（10~15℃）,低光照（20μmol/m2·s）,低盐度（盐度15）更有利于总脂及PUFA的积累。SM-2生长的最适温度为20℃,最适光强60μmol/m2·s,最适盐度30,而低温（10~15℃）,低光照（20μmol/m2·s）更有利于其总脂及PUFA的积累,低盐（盐度15）则更有利于PUFA的积累。因此在实际生产中,2株藻可先在最适条件下培养以增加生物量,后转至利于PUFA积累的条件下提高PUFA产量。     

Cold-induced accumulation of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in a liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha L

The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L. synthesizes various long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids including arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, neither of which is produced by higher plants. Here we report the effects of temperature on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid accumulation in the liverwort. The accumulation of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased significantly as the growth temperature decreased. Specifically, the relative content of eicosapentaenoic acid to total fatty acids at 5 °C was approximately 3-fold higher than at 25 °C. On the other hand, the accumulation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased at low temperatures. An analysis of gene expression indicated that the mRNA of the MpFAD3 gene for ER ω-3 desaturase increased significantly at 5 °C. These results indicate that in the liverwort the n-3 pathway was enhanced at low temperature, mainly via expression of the cold-induced ω-3 desaturase gene, leading to increased accumulation of eicosapentaenoic acid.     

Optimization of ω-3 fatty acid production by microalgae: crossover effects of CO2 and light intensity under batch and continuous cultivation modes

The microalga Pavlova lutheri is a potential source of economically valuable docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids. Specific chemical and physical culture conditions may enhance their biochemical synthesis. There are studies relating the effect of CO₂ on growth; however, this parameter should not be assessed independently, as its effect strongly depends on the light intensity available. In this research, the combined effects of light intensity and CO₂ content on growth and fatty acid profile in P. lutheri were ascertained, in order to optimize polyunsaturated fatty acid production. The influence of the operation mode was also tested via growing the cultures by batch and by continuous cultivation. Higher light intensities associated with lower dilution rates promoted increases in both cell population and weight per cell. Increased levels of CO₂ favored the total lipid content, but decreased the amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mass productivities of eicosapentaenoic acid (3.61 ± 0.04 mg · L⁻¹ · d⁻¹) and docosahexaenoic acid (1.29 ± 0.01 mg · L⁻¹ · d⁻¹) were obtained in cultures supplied with 0.5% (v/v) CO₂, at a dilution rate of 0.297 d⁻¹ and a light intensity of 120 μE · m⁻² · s⁻¹.     

Variation of lipid and fatty acid compositions of the marine microalga Pavlova viridis (Prymnesiophyceae) under laboratory and outdoor culture conditions

The marine microalga Pavlova viridis (Prymnesiophyceae) is widely used in marine aquaculture industries of China for feeding bivalves and has been proposed as an alternative source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). To investigate variation of its lipid and fatty acid compositions during laboratory and outdoor cultivation, a 60-1 photobioreactor was established in Nanjing, China. Outdoor cultivation, paralleled with laboratory cultures in mid-October, was performed from autumn through midwinter. The results showed that the total lipid and EPA contents of outdoor cultures were both lower than those of indoor cultures. When the outdoor temperature and illumination decreased, total lipid experienced no significant change. Although the level of saturated fatty acids decreased, polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially EPA, increased.     

Response of growth and fatty acid compositions of Nannochloropsis sp. to environmental factors under elevated CO2 concentration

Nannochloropsis sp. was grown with different levels of nitrate, phosphate, salinity and temperature with CO₂ at 2,800 μl l⁻¹. Increased levels of NaNO₃ and KH₂PO₄ raised protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contents but decreased carbohydrate, total lipid and total fatty acids (TFA) contents. Nannochloropsis sp. grew well at salinities from 22 to 49 g l⁻¹, and lowering salinity enhanced TFA and PUFAs contents. TFA contents increased with the increasing temperature but PUFAs contents decreased. The highest eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω3) content based on the dry mass was above 3% under low N (150 μM NaNO₃) or high N (3000 μM NaNO₃) condition. Excessive nitrate, low salinity and temperature are thus favorable factors for improving EPA yields in Nannochloropsis sp.     

SALT‐INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN LIPID COMPOSITION OF DIATOM NITZSCHIA LAEVIS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) UNDER HETEROTROPHIC CULTURE CONDITION1

The diatom Nitzschia laevis Hust. is a potential producer of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). To elucidate its cellular response to salt stress, the effects of salinity on EPA production, lipid composition, and fatty acid distribution in the lipid pool were investigated. The highest contents of total fatty acids, EPA, and polar lipids were all obtained at NaCl of 20 g · L^?1, under which 71.3% of total EPA existed in polar lipid fractions. In N. laevis, high salt concentration might induce the decrease in neutral lipids (NLs), whereas the production of polar lipids, including phospholipids (PLs) and glycolipids (GLs), was enhanced. The degree of fatty acid unsaturation of both neutral and polar lipid fractions increased sharply when NaCl concentration increased from 10 to 20 g · L^?1 but decreased at NaCl concentration of 30 g · L^?1. The amount of total free sterols was increased with the increase in salt concentration. All these changes in lipid and fatty acids suggested a decrease in membrane permeability and fluidity under high salt concentration, which could help the alga acclimate to the salinity stress.     

EFFECTS OF LOWERING TEMPERATURE DURING CULTURE ON THE PRODUCTION OF POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS IN THE MARINE DIATOM PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

The composition of fatty acids and contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the economically important marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bohlin), were investigated to see whether reducing the culture temperature enhances the production of EPA and PUFAs. The contents of EPA and PUFAs of P. tricornutum were found to be higher at lower temperature when cultured at 10, 15, 20, or 25°C. When the cells grown at 25°C were shifted to 20, 15, or 10°C, the contents per dry mass of PUFAs and EPA increased to the maximal values in 48, 24, and 12 h, respectively. The highest yields of PUFAs and EPA per unit dry mass (per unit volume of culture) were 4.9% and 2.6% (12.4 and 6.6 mg·L^?1), respectively, when temperature was shifted from 25 to 10°C for 12 h, both being raised by 120% compared with the control. The representative fatty acids in the total fatty acids, when temperature was lowered from 25 to 10°C, decreased proportionally by about 30% in C_16:0 and 20% in C_16:1(n?7) but increased about 85% in EPA. It was concluded that lowering culture temperature of P. tricornutum could significantly raise the yields of EPA and PUFAs.     

Optimization of cultivation conditions for fatty acid composition and EPA production in the eustigmatophycean microalga Trachydiscus minutus

We determined the effects of cultivation conditions (nitrogen source, salinity, light intensity, temperature) on the composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the laboratory cultured eustigmatophycean microalga, Trachydiscus minutus. T. minutus was capable of utilizing all nitrogen compounds tested (potassium nitrate, urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium carbonate) with no differences in growth and only minor differences in fatty acid (FA) compositions. Ammonium carbonate was the least appropriate for lipid content and EPA production, while urea was as suitable as nitrates. Salinity (0.2 % NaCl) slightly stimulated EPA content and inhibited growth. Increasing salinity had a marked inhibitory effect on growth and PUFA composition; salinity at or above 0.8 % NaCl was lethal. Both light intensity and temperature had a distinct effect on growth and FA composition. The microalga grew best at light intensities of 470–1,070 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1 compared to 100 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1, and at 28 °C; sub-optimal temperatures (20, 33 °C) strongly inhibited growth. Saturated fatty acids increased with light intensity and temperature, whereas the reverse trend was found for PUFAs. Although the highest level of EPA (as a proportion of total FAs) was achieved at a light intensity of 100 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1 (51.1?± 2.8 %) and a temperature of 20 °C (50.9?±?0.8 %), the highest EPA productivity of about 30 mg L^?1?day^?1 was found in microalgae grown at higher light intensities, at 28 °C. Overall, for overproduction of EPA in microalgae, we propose that outdoor cultivation be used under conditions of a temperate climatic zone in summer, using urea as a nitrogen source.     

Changes in the Fatty Acid Composition of Hepatopancreas of the Mollusk Mytilus trossulus Fed on Microalgae

The influence of diet on the fatty acid composition of the hepatopancreas of Mytilus trossulus was studied. Three groups of mollusks were fed monocultures of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chaetoceros muelleri (Bacillariophyceae), and Nannochloropsis sp. (Eustigmatophyceae) for 10 days. After 10 days, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic, increased in the total lipids of the hepatopancreas in all mollusk groups. The content of saturated fatty acids in the mussel tissues decreased and was not dependent on the amount in the algal diet. Toward the end of the experiment, the fatty acid composition of the hepatopancreas of mussels was similar irrespective of the fatty acid composition of their food. The fatty acid analysis of M. trossulus feces suggests a selective assimilation by mussels of predominantly the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The role of fatty acid metabolism in M. trossulus is discussed.     

Effects of Temperature and Dietary Lipids on Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Membrane Fluidity in Steinernema carpocapsae

The phospholipid composition of Steinernema carpocapsae was studied in relation to diet and culture temperature. When reared at 18 and 27.5 C on Galleria mellonella or on an artificial diet supplemented with lard, linseed oil, or fish oil as lipid sources, nematode phospholipids contained an abundance of 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, with eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5(n - 3)) predominant, regardless of the fatty acid composition of the diet. Because the level of linolenic acid (18:3(n - 3)) in nematode phospholipids was very low and because eicosapentaenoic acid was present even when its precursor (linolenic acid) was undetectable in the diet, S. carpocapsae likely produces n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by de novo biosynthesis, a pathway seldom reported in eukaryotic animals. Reduction of growth temperature from 25 to 18 C increased the proportion of 20:5(n - 3) but not other polyunsaturated fatty acids. A fluorescence polarization technique revealed that vesicles produced from phospholipids of nematodes reared at 18 C were less ordered than those from nematodes reared at 27.5 C, especially in the outermost region of the bilayer. Dietary fish oil increased fluidity in the outermost region but increased rigidity in deeper regions. Therefore, S. carpocapsae appears to modify its membrane physical state in response to temperature, and eicosapentaenoic acid may be involved in this response. The results also indicate that nematode membrane physical state can be modified dietarily, possibly to the benefit of host-finding or survival of S. carpocapsae at low temperatures.     

Microalgae for use in tropical aquaculture I: Gross chemical and fatty acid composition of twelve species of microalgae from the Northern Territory,Australia

Twelve species of microalgae, isolated from north Australian marine, freshwater and hypersaline environments, were grown under controlled conditions of temperature, pH, photon flux density and salinity, and analysed for ash, total protein, water soluble carbohydrates, chlorophylla, total lipids, total fatty acids and fatty acid composition. Highest levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5(n-3)] were found in the marine diatoms.Nitzschia (frustulum) andN. closterium (23.1% and 15.2% of total fatty acids, respectively). None of the species studied had levels of docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3)] greater than 1.1 % of total fatty acids. None of the chlorophyte species contained significant levels of either 20:5(n-3) or 22:6(n-3). The highest total fatty acid concentration of all species in the study was found in the freshwater chlorophyte speciesScenedesmus dimorphus (105 mg g^–1 dry wt). The hypersaline speciesDunaliella salina had the highest total lipid content (28.1% dry wt), followed byN. closterium, N. (frustulum) andNavicula sp. (24.2–27.8% dry wt).Chlamydomonas sp. had the highest protein content (66.9% dry wt).N. (frustulum) was highlighted as a possible useful source of lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in mixed microalgal diets for mariculture organisms used in tropical aquaculture.Author for correspondence     

温、光、盐对硅藻STR01生长、总脂、脂肪酸的影响

为了优化新分离STR01的生态培养条件, 采用单因子试验和正交试验研究了不同温度、光照强度、盐度和温、光、盐三因素三水平对该藻的生长、总脂和脂肪酸组成影响。结果表明: 温、光、盐对STR01的生长、总脂和脂肪酸组成影响显著(P<0.05)。生长的适宜温度为15—35℃, 最适25—30℃(K值达0.679—0.682), 总脂含量积累的最适温度是25℃(总脂可达17.23%), 温度20℃时有利于该藻PUFA的积累, 可达34.23%。STR01生长的适宜光照强度为40—120 μmol/(m2·s), 最适光强为60 μmol/(m2·s), 光照强度40 μmol/(m2·s)有利于该藻的PUFA积累, 可达34.29%。STR01生长的适宜盐度为10—35, 最适盐度25, 盐度25时PUFA含量较高(43.42%)。正交试验结果表明温度对STR01的平均相对生长速率和总脂含量影响显著, 生长的最优组合: 温度30℃、光照强度60 μmol/(m2·s)、盐度25, 该组合下的生长速率达0.756; 总脂含量积累的最优组合: 温度30℃、光照强度60 μmol/(m2·s)、盐度20, 该组合下的总脂含量为20.00%。PUFA的最优组合: 温度25℃、光照强度60 μmol/(m2·s)、盐度20, 该组合下PUFA的含量为35.37%。综上所述: 该藻生长迅速, 总脂含量较高, PUFA丰富, 是一种可开发利用的耐高温浮游硅藻。     

Synthesis of monoglyceride containing omega-3 fatty acids by microbial lipase in organic solvent

Summary An enzymatic method for synthesis of monoglyceride from 1,2-isopropylidene glycerol and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrate was investigated in organic solvent. Optimal reaction conditions for monoglyceride synthesis by lipase were established. Lipase IM-60 fromMucor miehei produced yields of monoglyceride of up to 80% in this system. The resultant monoglyceride contained 76.2% n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid 43.3%; docosahexaenoic acid, 32.7%). Isooctane and hexane were suitable organic solvents for monoglyceride synthesis and optimal initial water content was 2.5%. Lipase IM-60 was relatively stable in organic solvent and is easily recovered for reuse.     

Lipid and fatty acid composition of microalgae used in Malaysian aquaculture as live food for the early stage of penaeid larvae

The total ash, chlorophyll, phaeopigment, lipid and fatty acid contents of three microalgae (the diatomsChaetoceros calcitrans, Skeletonema costatum and the prymnesiophyteIsochrysis galbana) used in tropical Malaysian penaeid mariculture were studied. The axenic laboratory cultures were grown in f-2 medium, while outdoor cultures were grown in a commercial medium designed for optimum nutrition in tropical outdoor aquaculture operations. Considerable amounts (3–9% of the total fatty acid) of the polyunsaturated fatty acid 20:5w3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) were present in the diatoms; very small amounts were also found inI. galbana. Lipid contents were three to five times higher than chlorophylla. There was an increase with culture age in the relative proportion of total C18 and C20 fatty acid components. The algae contained the w3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) necessary for the growth and survival rate of the prawn larvae. However, onlyChaetoceros calcitrans grew well under the conditions of temperature and salinity in the hatchery.     

UV-A Mediated Modulation of Photosynthetic Efficiency,Xanthophyll Cycle and Fatty Acid Production of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannochloropsis</Emphasis>

Nannochloropsis, a green microalga, is a source for commercially valuable compounds as extensively described and, in particular, is recognised as a good potential source of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ϖ3), an important polyunsaturated fatty acid for human consumption for prevention of several diseases. Climate change might include variation in the ultraviolet (UV) levels as one of the consequences derived from the anthropogenic activity. This paper shows the response of Nannochloropsis cultures exposed for 7 days to UV-A (320–400 nm) added to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm). Growth rates and photosynthetic activity were assessed to determine the impact of UV-A increased levels on the cell growth and basic metabolism activity. Xanthophyll pigments (zeaxanthin and violaxanthin), carotenoids (canthaxanthin and β-carotene) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids) were measured for assessing the antioxidant response of the microalgae to added UV-A radiation to PAR. The results show that the modulated use of UV-A radiations can lead to increased growth rates, which are sustained in time by an increased light transduction activity. The expected antioxidant response to the incident UV-A radiation consisted of increases in zeaxanthin and β-carotene contents—synthesis of antioxidant carotenoids—and increases in the saturated fatty acids to polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio. The results suggest that modulated UV-A radiation can be used as a tool to stimulate value molecules accumulation in microalgae through an enhanced both light transduction process and antioxidant response, while sustaining cell growth.     

Development of High‐Level Omega‐3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Production from Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a lipid‐rich marine diatom that contains a high level of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In an effort to reduce costs for large‐scale cultivation of this microalga, this study first established a New BBM medium (0.3 x strength BBM with only 3% of the initial phosphate level) to replace the traditional F/2 medium. Phaeodactylum tricornutum could grow in extremely low phosphate concentrations (25 µM), without compromising the EPA content. In the presence of sea salts, silicate addition was not necessary for high rate growth, high EPA content, or lipid accumulation in this species. Using urea as the sole nitrogen source tended to increase EPA contents per dry biomass (by 24.7%) while not affecting growth performance. The use of sea salts, rather than just sodium chloride, led to significantly improved biomass yields (20% increase) and EPA contents of total fatty acid (46–52% increase), most likely because it supplied sufficient essential elements such as magnesium. A salinity level of 35 led to significantly higher biomass yields compared with 20, but salinity had no significant influence on EPA content. EPA became the dominant fatty acid with average levels of 51.8% of total fatty acids during the exponential growth phase at 20 ppt in New BBM medium with sea salts.     

Enrichment of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids of Sardine Cannery Effluents Using Lipozyme™: Optimization of Reaction Conditions

Enrichment of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from sardine cannery effluents upon enzymatic esterification by Lipozyme® was optimized in batch and in continuous processes. In these processes, the yield of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (Y₁) and the yield of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (Y₂), in the residual acid fraction were maximized. In batch, a two-factor Doehlert design was used to study the effects of temperature and ratio of fatty acid to alcohol. Second order polynomial regression models for Y₁ and Y₂ were postulated to generate response surfaces. After esterification the fraction of fatty acid was enriched to 70% with DHA or to 44% with EPA. In a continuous process, a three-factor central composite design was employed to study the effects of temperature, ratio of fatty acid to alcohol and flow rate. Second order polynomial regression models for Y₁ and Y₂ were used to generate response surfaces. After esterification, a quantity of DHA close to 30% and 17% of EPA.     

几种主要环境因子对布朗葡萄藻(Botryococcus braunii)光合作用的影响

利用测定净光合放氧速率的方法研究了光照强度、温度、pH值、盐度对布朗葡萄藻Botryococcus braunii UTEX 572和B.braunii UTEX 2441两个品系的光合作用的影响。B.braunii UTEX 572的适宜光照强度范围400～1600μmol·m^-2·s^-1,光饱和点在800μmol·m^-2·s^-1附近;适宜温度范围25～35℃,最适温度30℃;适宜pH范围5.0～8.0,最适pH7.0;适宜盐度范围0～0.2mol/L,最适盐度0.1mol/L。B.braunii UTEX 2441的适宜光照强度范围400～1600μmol·m^-2·s^-1,光饱和点在400μmol·m^-2·s^-1附近;适宜温度范围25～35℃,最适温度30℃;适宜pH范围5.0～8.0,最适pH7.0;对盐度的适应范围较小,盐度升高,光合放氧速率明显下降。两个布朗葡萄藻净光合放氧速率随光照强度、温度、pH值和盐度变化的规律,表明布朗葡萄藻的基本生理生态学特征:适应于较强的光照强度、较高的温度、中性偏酸的环境和较低的盐度。对布朗葡萄藻基本生理生态学特征的了解,为培养条件的优化提供了依据。2个布朗葡萄藻品系对光强、温度、pH值和盐度变化的反应有所不同:与B.braunii UTEX 2441相比,B.braunii UTEX 572具有更高的光饱和点,适应更高的温度,对pH值变化有更宽的适应范围,适当提高盐度对其光合作用有促进作用,表明B.braunii UTEX 572在快速生长繁殖方面具有更大的潜力,这一研究结果为筛选适合于大量培养的优良藻种提供了依据。     

Effects of global change factors on fatty acids and mycosporine‐like amino acid production in Chroothece richteriana (Rhodophyta)

Under natural conditions, Chroothece richteriana synthesizes a fairly high proportion of fatty acids. However, nothing is known about how environmental changes affect their production, or about the production of protective compounds, when colonies develop under full sunshine with high levels of UV radiation. In this study, wild colonies of C. richteriana were subjected to increasing temperature, conductivity, ammonium concentrations and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and UV radiations to assess the potential changes in lipid composition and mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) concentration. The PERMANOVA analysis detected no differences for the whole fatty acid profile among treatments, but the percentages of α‐linolenic acid and total polyunsaturated fatty acids increased at the lowest assayed temperature. The percentages of linoleic and α‐linolenic acids increased with lowering temperature. γ‐linolenic and arachidonic acids decreased with increasing conductivity, and a high arachidonic acid concentration was related with increased conductivity. The samples exposed to UVB radiation showed higher percentages of eicosapentaenoic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids, at the expense of saturated fatty acids. MAAs accumulation increased but not significantly at the lowest conductivity, and also with the highest PAR and UVR exposure, while ammonium and temperature had no effect. The observed changes are probably related with adaptations of both membrane fluidity to low temperature, and metabolism to protect cells against UV radiation damage. The results suggest the potential to change lipid composition and MAAs concentration in response to environmental stressful conditions due to climate change, and highlight the interest of the species in future research about the biotechnological production of both compound types.     

REGULATION OF FATTY ACID COMPOSITION BY IRRADIANCE LEVEL IN THE EUSTIGMATOPHYTE NANNOCHLOROPSIS SP.1

Chemical composition and quantitative cytological measurements were determined for the eustigmatophyte Nannochloropsis sp. Cultures were grown in turbidostats at three irradiance levels: growth-limiting light, growth-saturating light and photoinhibiting light. Cellular chlorophyll a content decreased as irradiance level increased, concomitant with a disproportionate reduction in carotenoid content. Nannochloropsis sp. grown in saturating light was characterized by a high content of lipid, fatty acids and carbohydrate compared with cells grown in light-limiting conditions. The increase in cellular lipid content coincided with a reduction in the percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) and arachidonic acid (C20:4), fatty acids that are mainly associated with galactolipids, and with an increase in the relative abundance of palmitic acid (C16:0) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1). At growth limiting light conditions, Nannochloropsis sp. preferentially synthesized galactolipids; however, as growth became light saturated, relatively more neutral lipids, mainly triacylglycerols, were synthesized. Changes in lipid content and composition were qualitatively related to changes in cell morphology. Cells grown under low light conditions were characterized by a large relative volume of chloroplast, high surface density of thylakoid membranes and low relative volume of lipid storage bodies. The physiological implications of the changes in cellular lipid composition and ultrastructure are discussed in relation to light/shade adaptation.