Yarrowia

Y. lipolytica has been isolated from various locations (e.g. milled corn fiber tailings, or Paris sewer [8]). Often these environments contain an excess of lipids, which can be efficiently utilized by Y. lipolytica as a carbon and energy source [9]. Y. lipolytica is strictly aerobic [10].

Singe cell state of Yarrowia lipolytica under microscope.

Y. lipolytica is part of the group of oleaginous yeast, which means that its cells are made up of more then 20% fat content [10]. Most lipids are stored as triacylglycerids (TAGs). This physiological trait makes this species especially interesting to produce lipid derivates. For example, genetic engineering and process optimization allow to produce high amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [11].

Filamentous cell state of Yarrowia lipolytica

Y. lipolytica has a dimorphic growth [10], 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 stress conditions such as temperature, pH, mechanical or osmotic stress,[12] the cell can switch into a filamentous growth form (also see hyphae).

The genome of Y. lipolytica consists of around 20,5 kbp (kilo base pairs), encodes for over 7000 genes and is distributed on six chromosomes (named A to F) and the mitochondrial DNA (M). Naturally, there are small differences in the length of the genomes of different strain isolates. Usually hemiascomycetous yeast have a low number of introns, however, Y. lipolytica is an exception with about 15% of genes containing introns. [13]