Estudio y manipulación genética de la ruta de carotenoides en "Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii" mediante la expresión de genes exógenos

Abstract

Carotenoids are a wide group of lipophylic isoprenoid compounds synthesised by all photosynthetic organisms and also by sorne non photosynthetic bacteria and fungi. This is the reason why animals and other organisms that do not synthesise them de novo must include them in their diet to acquire their characteristic colours or as precursors for essential compounds. Carotenoids have been described as indispensable in light collection and energy transmission during photosynthesis and their antioxidant capacity and applications in nutraceuticals andas feed additives make them be ofhigh economical valuable products. The genetic manipulation ofthe microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is the principal tool on the basis ofthis work. By means ofthe exogenous gene expression, we expect to in crease the carotenoid content and obtain a deep understanding of the enzymes involved in the pathway and its in vivo regulation. Also, different environmental conditions have been used to clarify the functional response of the route in this microalga.