Oleic acid is the main fatty acid related with carotenogenesis in Dunaliella salina

Abstract

The variation of the fatty acid profile and the carotene content of Dunaliella salina in response to irradiance (80, 128, 640, 1000, 1500 μmol photon m−2 s−1) and nitrogen starvation were analysed. The highest fatty acid content per cell and the least polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage were exhibited under 1500 μmol photon m−2 s−1. Furthermore, the oleic acid (18:1) content maintained a positive and significant correlation with the carotene content per cell and with the irradiance. The composition of the carotene globules in Dunaliella salina may be the main determinant of this correlation.