ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the biological occurrence of phospholipids in nonmammalian organisms, a number of facts immediately influenced the approach to be taken. The first is that phospholipids are ubiquitous. The second is that within a given organism, phospholipids have multiple loci. The third is that phospholipid composition is responsive to environmental stresses. The fourth is that among these stresses are the following: temperature, pressure, pH, salt concentration, dilution rate, nutrient supply, age, light, and infection. The fifth is that indicates the flavor and complexity of the subject. The effects of environmental factors on phospholipid content and composition have been the subject of much research with microorganisms. Some individual cases involving such diverse effectors as manganese deficiency, pressure, carbon source, substrate limitation, temperature, and sodium chloride will be briefly noted to indicate even further the level of variability inherent in reporting phospholipid occurrence.
