Boosting Algae Biomass Productivity by Algae Engineering
Genetic engineering research at the Iowa State University reveals that the algae biomass can be boosted by 50-80% by expressing or activating genes that promote photosynthesis.
The researchers have worked on two genes – LCIA and LCIB — which when expressed capture more CO2 increase the biomass productivity. However, when algae live in an environment with enough CO2 to promote growth, the two genes shut down. The researchers found that expressing them, even in carbon-rich environments, significantly increases growth.
This tweak has been first tested in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ( model organism). The researcher, Martin Spalding, when with each gene individually yielded a 10 to 15 percent increase in biomass. Expressing them together boosted it 50 to 80 percent.
More – http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/11/genetic-tweak-brings-big-boost-in-algae-biomass/
