Expression analysis of genes involved in botryococcene biosynthesis in Botryococcus braunii (chlorophyceae)

Abstract

Botryococcus braunii is a green colonial fresh water microalga which produces large amount of hydrocarbons. This alga is classified into three races (A, B, and L), depending on the type of hydrocarbons synthesized. The B race produces triterpenoid hydrocarbons, referred to as botryococcenes, while the A race accumulates alkadienes and alkatrienes derived from fatty acids. The L race produces a tetraterpene hydrocarbon called lycopadiene. In this study, we analyzed genes involved in botryococcene biosynthesis. At first, we identified cDNA fragments which were expressed only in BOT-70 strain (B race). The expression levels of these genes were very low in SI-30 strain (A race). We discussed relationship between these genes and botryococcene biosynthesis in B.braunii.