This short text is designed to provide basic information about plant and microbial lipids not only for scientists working in the microbiological and plant fields, but for anyone wanting a concise introduction to this aspect of lipid biochemistry. We have long been aware that standard biochemistry books tend to. concentrate (sometimes exclusively) on animal lipids, thus neglecting many of the important and special features of other organisms. It is not our intention that the book should be comprehensive and we have not, for instance, provided complete lists of lipid compositions of all plants and bacterial species; a number of excellent specialist texts exist and many of these are listed for further reading. Instead we have sought to provide sufficient information for an advanced undergraduate or a research student to give them a 'feel' for the subject. By a combination of generalisation and the use of examples of special interest we hope the book will whet the appetite of the reader so that, by their own research, they are stimulated to discover and, perhaps, answer some of the fascinating questions concerning plant and microbial lipids. We trust that we shall succeed in these aims, even if that will mean more competition for research funds in our own fields! J. L. HARWOOD N. J. RUSSELL November 1983 Acknowledgements Our research careers have been devoted to a study of lipids: we have no regrets and are happy to acknowledge Professors J. N.

Lipids and Biomembranes of Eukaryotic Microorganisms synthesizes the state of knowledge for eukaryotic microorganisms and relates this knowledge to microbial membranes. This book examines each of the major classes of lipids—sterols, fatty acids, phospholipids, and sulfolipids—separately. In each case an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive summary and to evaluate critically the literature on the occurrence and biosynthesis of these compounds in yeasts, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Physiological functions of these lipids, particularly their role in the membranes of the organisms, are described. In some cases attention has been called to the possible usefulness of lipids as taxonomic criteria. Experimental systems for studying the relation between the structure of lipids and their function in biomembranes are also discussed. These systems include the photosynthetic membranes in organisms such as Euglena, Chlorella, and Chlamydomonas in which the formation of the chloroplasts is susceptible to experimental control; and fatty acid auxotrophic mutants of yeasts and Neurospora in which the fatty acid composition of the membrane lipids can be altered by the experimenter. This book will be of use to lipid biochemists, microbial physiologists, taxonomists, and cell biologists who are interested in the molecular aspects of biomembranes.

Fundamental knowledge of microbial lipids has advanced greatly during the last twenty years, and the microbiological and biochemical communities have long awaited a comprehensive source of reference. Microbial Lipids, Volume 2, is the second part of a two-volume work which will be the standard reference text for the next decade. With detailed contributions by leading experts, this authoritative and unique book covers the fullest possible range of lipid classes and microorganisms, including excellent sections on the occurrence and function of lipids and the biotechnology of lipids. Bringing the reader up-to-date with current knowledge, this book will be indispensable to any scientist and researcher interested in microbial lipids.

Lipids in Photosynthesis provides readers with a comprehensive view of the structure, function and genetics of lipids in plants, algae and bacteria, with special emphasis on the photosynthetic apparatus in thylakoid membranes. This volume includes the historical background of the field, as well as a full review of our current understanding of the structure and molecular organization of lipids and their role in the functions of photosynthetic membranes. The physical properties of membrane lipids in thylakoid membranes and their relationship to photosynthesis are also discussed. Other topics include the biosynthesis of glycerolipids and triglycerides; reconstitution of photosynthetic structures and activities with lipids; lipid-protein interactions in the import of proteins into chloroplasts; the development of thylakoid membranes as it relates to lipids; genetic engineering of the unsaturation of membrane glycerolipids, with a focus on the ability of the photosynthetic machinery to tolerate temperature stress; and the involvement of chloroplast lipids in the reactions of plants upon exposure to stress. This book is intended for a wide audience and should be of interest to advanced undergraduate and graduate students and to researchers active in the field, as well as to those scientists whose fields of specialization include the biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, biophysics and biotechnology of membranes.

This book summarizes recent advances in understanding the functions of plant and algal lipids in photosynthesis, in development and signaling, and in industrial applications. As readers will discover, biochemistry, enzymology and analytical chemistry, as well as gene knock-out studies have all contributed to our rapidly increasing understanding of the functions of lipids. In the past few decades, distinct physical and biochemical properties of specific lipid classes were revealed in plant and algal lipids and the functional aspects of lipids in modulating critical biological processes have been uncovered. These chapters from international authors across relevant research fields highlight the underlying evolutionary context of lipid function in photosynthetic unicellular and multicellular organisms. The book goes on to encompass what lipids can do for industrial applications at a time of fascination with plants and algae in carbon fixation and as sources for production of food, energy and novel chemicals. The developmental context is a part of the fresh and engaging perspective that is presented in this work which graduate students and scientists will find both illuminating and useful.