Very long chain fatty acids (FAs) are important components of different classes of lipids in all organisms from bacteria to man. They include also, usually as minor components, odd-numbered FAs. These have so far been given little attention because of technical difficulties inherent in their detection and identification. Current modern analytical methods such as GC-MS and/or LC-MS make this detection and identification possible, and should promote a study of their properties. This review brings, in a concise manner, most of the currently available information about these FAs, their occurrence in different organisms, their structure and other properties. It should provide an impetus for further research into these very interesting compounds whose chemical, biochemical and biological properties are poorly known.

Institute of Microbiology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Vídenská 1083 142 20 Prague Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

Using Odd-Alkanes as a Carbon Source to Increase the Content of Nutritionally Important Fatty Acids in Candida krusei, Trichosporon cutaneum, and Yarrowia lipolytica

Separation and Identification of Odd Chain Triacylglycerols of the Protozoan Khawkinea quartana and the Mold Mortierella alpina Using LC-MS