ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 4
II. Biosynthesis of Fatty Acids from Glucose 5 A. Formation of acetyl-CoA 6 B. Acetyl-CoA carboxylation 8 C. Fatty acid synthetase 8 D. Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids 11 E. Formation of hydroxy, branched-chain, and other fatty acids 14 F. Biosynthesis of mycolic acids 15
III. Biosynthesis of Fatty Acids from Alkanes 17 A. Uptake of n-alkanes 18 B. Hydrocarbon oxidation 22 C. Formation of hydroxy fatty acids and dicarboxylic fatty acids 24
IV. Biosynthesis of Acylated Compounds 26 A. Neutral lipids 27 B. Phospholipids 30 C. Glycolipids 31 D. Acylpolyols 40 E. Acylpeptides 44
v. Biosynthesis of Nonlipid Components of Surfactants 45 A. Peptides 45 B. Carbohydrates and gluconeogenesis 46
VI. Regulatory Mechanisms Related to Surfactant Production
References
Biosurfactants display a range of structures but have the common ability to cause emulsification of oil-water mixtures. Accordingly, biosurfactants must be able to dissolve, at least partially, in both water and a water-immiscible liquid, thereby effecting a decreased surface tension enabling mixing and microsolubilization (Le., emulsification) to occur. The range of biological components that are available as building blocks for any biosurfactant is limited. They may vary from components that are wholly water-soluble but have no solubility in oil to those that are virtually water-insoluble but can, and do, dissolve in any oil or lipid material.
