Algae Genetic Research
In its natural state, approximately 30% of the body mass of heterotrophic algae is lipid content. Genetic reconstructing and selective breeding can boost it up closer to 70 percent.
Research has been initiated to identify novel enzymatic genes involved in lipid (oil) production in algae. Genes that produce enzymes that are directly involved in algal lipid production will be isolated and sequenced. Ultimately, the goal is to understand these genes, to be able to manipulate the expression of these genes for more efficient production of biofuel from algae.
