Abstract
C.merolae is a primitive red alga, that retains four transcripiton factors (Ycf27-30) in the plasitd genome. They could participate in the transcription regulation of the plastid genes corresponding to the various environmental stimuli. To make clear respective roles of Ycf27-30 in C. merolae will shed lights on the regulatory models of photosynthethic gene expression. Interestingly, RuBisCo genes in red algae are much more closely related to a-proteobacteria than to cyanobacteria because of lateral gene transfer during evolution. In the meeting, we will present evidence indicating that the transcription of RuBisCo operon is activated by plastid-encoded transcription factor, Ycf30. And Northen hybridization and RT-RCR analysis revealed the possibility that Ycf29 is involved in the transcription activation of the genes concerned with the phycobiliproteins during the acclimation from high light condition to low light condition. Analysis of the regulatory mechanism is in progress.
