Isolation of cDNA clones of genes induced upon transfer of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells to low CO2

Mark D. Burow, Louisiana State University
Zhi Yuan Chen, Louisiana State University
Tricia M. Mouton, Louisiana State University
James V. Moroney, Louisiana State University

Abstract

Unicellular algae grow well under limiting CO2 conditions, aided by a carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM). In C. reinhardtii, this mechanism is inducible and is present only in cells grown under low CO2 conditions. We constructed a cDNA library from cells adapting to low CO2, and screened the library for cDNAs specific to low CO2-adapting cells. Six classes of low CO2-inducible clones were identified. One class of clone, reported here, represents a novel gene associated with adaptation of cells to air. A second class of clones corresponds to the air-inducible periplasmic carbonic anhydrase 1 (CAH1). These clones represent genes that respond to the level of CO2 in the environment.