| Betaine lipids (BL) are P-free polar lipids, conversely to phospholipids (PL). The metabolic reorientation induced by phosphorus (P) limitation in microalgae producing BL (Tisochrysis lutea and Diacronema lutheri, Haptophyta) or producing low levels of BL (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Bacillariophyta) was compared to that induced by nitrogen (N) limitation. The carbon destiny and flow in different biosynthetic pathways were studied with a multidisciplinary approach. P or N limitation differently affected carbon metabolism according to microalgal species. P limitation highly decreased photosynthetic activity and respiration of P. tricornutum and T. lutea. Consequently, carbon accumulation was higher than under N limitation in these two species. Both... |
