Membrane Lipids in Algae

Abstract

Eukaryotic algae are a diverse group of organisms. Their lipid compositions have been less studied than those of higher plants but, nevertheless, we now have sufficient data to be able to make some broad generalizations. Algae contain many of the major lipids of plants, such as the glycosylglycerides and the usual phosphoglycerides. In addition, more unusual compounds such as the betaine lipids, chlorosulfolipids or various other sulfolipids may be major components of some species or orders.