CHAPTER 7: Network of Metabolic Pathways for Biosynthesis of High-value Products in Microalgae

Microalgae are sources of high-value metabolites such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and pigments. Microalgal metabolites are considered to be sustainable bioproducts with a great significance in food and fuel applications. However, the industrial/large scale production of these metabolites is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive knowledge of metabolic pathways and the aspects of energy conversion. In this chapter we provide an overview of the metabolic pathways involving the biosynthesis of high-value metabolites. Several aspects of metabolism confined exclusively to microalgal species are focused upon. In addition, this chapter also gives a brief description of various strategies for the enhancement of metabolite production.