Use of Transition Studies in Continuous Cultures of Lipomyces starkeyi, an oleaginous yeast, to Investigate the Physiology of Lipid Accumulation

Abstract

The physiological changes that occurred in chemostat cultures of an oleaginous yeast, Lipomyces starkeyi CBS 1809 undergoing transitions from steady-state carbon-limiting to steady-state nitrogen-limiting conditions have been investigated. A sequence of events has been identified initiated by the presentation of excess glucose to the culture and culminating in the accumulation of substantial quantities of intracellular lipid. The intracellular concentrations of adenine nucleotides and citrate have been determined and their possible regulatory significance in the control of catabolic and anabolic pathways is discussed.