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Protein factors increasing yield of a biofuel precursor in microscopic algae

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Geekz Snow
Protein factors increasing yield of a biofuel precursor in microscopic algae

As an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, biofuels represent a more environmentally friendly and sustainable fuel source.

Plant or animal fats can be converted to biofuels through a process called transesterification.

In particular, the storage molecule triacylglycerol (TAG), found in microscopic algae, is one of the most promising sources of fat for biofuel production, as microalgae are small, easy to grow, and reproduce quickly.

With this ultimate goal in mind, Professor Hiroyuki Ohta from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and colleagues investigated the conditions under which the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii produces more TAG.

However, according to Dr. Ohta, "While low-nitrogen environments cause microalgae to produce more TAG, this strongly reduces microalgal growth and reproduction, decreasing potential gains in TAG yield."

Under these conditions, TAG production was increased and cell growth was still promoted, increasing the overall yield of TAG.

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