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Abstract
Eukaryotic algae are a very diverse group of organisms that are key components of
ecosystems ranging from deserts to the Antarctic. They account for over half of the
primary production at the base of food chains. The lipids of different classes are
varied and contain unusual compounds not found in other phyla. In this short review,
we introduce the major cellular lipids and their fatty acids and then describe how
the latter (particularly the polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFAs) are synthesised.
The discovery of different elongases and desaturases important for PUFA production
is detailed and their application for biotechnology described. Finally, the potential
for algae in commercial applications is discussed, particularly in relation to the
production of very long chain PUFAs and biofuel.