Genetic Mapping of Green Algae for Biofuels

Researchers at Texas A&M University, the University of Kentucky and the University of Tokyo are working on green algae to produce hydrocarbon oil for biofuel production. While this concept is not new, the team is trying to understand the genetic sequence and family history of Botryococcus braunii, a green algae capable of producing enough biofuel to meet transportation fuel demands.

 "Without understanding how the cellular machinery of a given algae works on the molecular level, it won't be possible to improve characteristics such as oil production, faster growth rates or increased photosynthesis," Timothy Devarenne of T&M University said. Interest in on B. braunii algae is high because of their high production of oil and the type of oil they produce. Many high-oil-producing algae create vegetable-type oils, but B. braunii produces oils similar to petroleum.

See the press release from Texas A&M University at http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=1806