Changes in Lipid Composition over the Growth Cycle of Schizosaccharomyces pombe CBS 356T

Summary The lipids of Schizosaccharomyces pombe CBS 356T were extracted at different growth stages and analysed using gas chromatography (GC), column- and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Cells of Schiz. pombe CBS 356T contained up to 11.4% (w/vv) lipids, consisting of about 79% neutral lipids (NLs), 11% glycolipids (GLs) and 11% phospholipids (PLs), during stationary growth phase. The NL probably functions as endogenous reserve material. An increased percentage of PLs in the total lipid was evident during mid exponential growth. This is probably associated with the predominance of membranes in young growing cells. A stable lipid composition was obtained in cells harvested during stationary phase highlighting the value of this phenotypic characteristic in yeast taxonomy.