Chapter 7 Genetic studies on the functions of membrane-forming phospholipids
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Advances in the ability to assign a specific function to a particular subclass of lipids have come from the analysis of mutants that are defective in a specific phospholipid (PL) biosynthetic reaction. This chapter illustrates example in which genetic studies have implicated a particular subset of lipids in a specific membrane function, such as the involvement of acidic phospholipids in the initiation of chromosome replication and in protein translocation in Escherichia coli. The ability of the yeast cell to maintain a critical phospholipid composition in Golgi membranes is an important factor for sustained Golgi secretory function. The production of PLs is essential to the growth of E. colithe defects in the production of phosphatidic acid in plsB, plsX double mutant strains result in the cessation of growth after PL content has been reduced by 30%. The chapter also describes the pathways of phospholipid synthesis in Sacchnronlyces cerevisiae. Mutations in the LCB1 gene cause defects in the synthesis of 3-ketosphinganine and result in phytosphingosine auxotrophy. 1993, Elsevier B.V.
