Advanced Mass Spectrometric Lipidomics: Unveiling Isomeric Diversity and Biosynthetic Pathways in Food and Plant Systems

This thesis investigated the detailed structure of fats in edible nuts and plant systems to better understand their nutritional value and biological origins. Using advanced mass spectrometry and plant genetic tools, it revealed previously unknown fatty acids and showed how specific enzymes control fat composition. The study mapped fatty acid profiles across common nuts and identified rare lipid structures. It also developed new analytical methods to resolve complex fat molecules and demonstrated how different enzymes alter fat production in plants. These findings improve understanding of plant lipids and support future advances in food quality, nutrition, and sustainable biotechnology.