Yarrowia lipolytica

Appearance

Yarrowia lipolytica has dimorphic growth, which means it can grow in two different phenotypes. The usual form of the cells can be described as round and spherical. When exposed to stressful conditions such as temperature, pH, mechanical or osmotic stress, the cell can switch into a filamentous growth form (hyphae).

Habitat

Yarrowia lipolytica has been isolated from various locations (e.g. milled corn fiber tailings or Paris sewers). Often these environments contain an excess of lipids, which can be efficiently utilized by Y. lipolytica as a carbon and energy source.

Reproduction

Sexual and asexual.

Food

Yarrowia lipolytica, is a yeast that can use unusual carbon sources, such as hydrocarbons. This species is strictly aerobic.

Uses

The cells of Y. lipolytica have over 20% fat content, placing it in the group of oleaginous yeasts. Most lipids are stored as triacylglycerids (TAGs). This physiological trait makes this species especially interesting for producing lipid derivates. For example, genetic engineering and process optimization allow it to produce high amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).