INVESTIGATION ON LIPID CONTENTS OF PHYCOMYCES BLAKESLEEANUS

Abstract

Phycomyces blakesleeanus contains 26-28g free lipids per 100g dry mat. The lipid material is composed of phospholipids, sterols (mainly ergosterol), diglycerides, triglycerides, waxes, free fatty acids, and carotenes. It was possible to identify the presence of phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidic acid, and cardiolipin in the phospholipid fraction. The fatty acid composition of free lipids was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Trace amounts of C₁₇ fatty acids were detected. Small amount of arachidonic acid was identified. Oleic, linoleic, linolenic, stearic, and palmitic were the major fatty acids present in the free lipids of P. blakesleeanus.