The production of Y-linolenic acid by Choanephora curcubitarum

Bibliography: pages 158-164.Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid which has been shown to be beneficial for a large number of diseases. At present the fatty acid is marketed as a health product and the prime source of GLA is the evening primrose flower. There are several problems associated with producing the oil and as there is a growing demand for GLA for pharmaceutical and clinical applications, alternative sources are being sought. Choanephora curcubitarum is known to produce GLA and the production of GLA by fermentation of this organism has been successfully achieved by National Chemical Products. The ultimate aim of this project is to genetically manipulate this organism in order to increase the yields of GLA. Tn this thesis the basic groundwork needed to develop a genetic system in C. curcubitarum has been covered