Edited By: Rosa León Deparamento de Química y Ciencia de Materiales, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Huelva, Aurora Gaván Universidad de Córdoba Emilio Fernández Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Córdoba ISBN: 978-0-387-75531-1 Published: 2007-11-06 This book may be purchased as an eBook (pdf) for $99, or individual chapters (pdf) may be purchased from the list below for $19. Purchase eBook for $99 (pdf) Purchase this book from Springer. Chapters list

Microalgae have been largely cultured and commercialized as food and feed additives, and their potential as source of high-added value compounds is well known. In contrast, however, to the large number of genetically modified bacteria, yeast and even higher plants, only a few species of microalgae have been genetically transformed with efficiency. Initial difficulties with the expression of foreign genes in microalgae have been progressively overcome, and powerful molecular tools for their genetic engineering are now on hand. A considerable collection of promoters and selectable marker genes and an increasing number of genomic or cDNA sequences have become available in recent years. More work is needed to transform new species of microalgae, especially those that have commercial value, so that it would be possible to increase the productivity of traditional compounds or synthesize novel ones. Silencing transgenes remains an important limitation for stable expression of foreign genes. This problem is not unique to microalgae since it has also been observed in plants, animals and fungi. A better understanding of the mechanisms that control the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes is therefore needed. In this book an outstanding group of researchers working in different areas of microalgae biotechnology offer a global vision of the genetic manipulation of microalgae and their applications. These scientists provide an understanding of the antecedent events in current microalgae research, as well as the pitfalls of the field. It is the intent of Transgenic Microalgae as Green Cell Factories to prove useful for algologists, biotechnologists, and researchers interested in the potential applications of green cell factories.

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