Characterization of lipase activity in a yeast of the genus Rhodotorula (Rh. rubra)

: Lipase activity of whole cells of Rh. rubra has been localized in a particular fraction rich in walls and in isolated cell walls. The enzyme activity has been determinated with olive oil and the triglyceride fraction of olive oil as substrats. Gas chromatography of fatty acids and triglycerides isolated after enzyme hydrolysis shows that the action of Rh. rubra is not only limited to a simple hydrolysis of the substrate. The triglyceridase activity level is dependent of the phosphate content of the culture medium.