Advances In Algal Cell Biology

Molecular research on algae over the last decades has provided significant insights into universal biological mechanisms. This knowledge has proved essential to the field of biotechnology where research on new applications in food culture, biofuel and pharmaceuticals is underway. This new book on algal cell biology provides an overview of cutting-edge research with a focus on cytoskeleton structure/function and cytokinesis of algae.

Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. The series features a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. This thematic volume features reviews on Genomic Insights into the Biology of Algae. Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences Features a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology This thematic volume features reviews on Genomic Insights into the Biology of Algae

Algae exhibit the greatest variety of cell motility phenomena in the living world. These range from the peculiar gliding motility of filamentous blue green algae or cyanobacteria to chloroplast movements and cytoplasmic streaming which are most common in higher plants. In addition, cell motility by eukaryotic flagella is the characteristic mode of cell locomotion in algal flagellates and most reproductive cells of algae. Algae use these cell motility systems mainly to orient themselves or their photosynthetic organelles in a suitable light gradient to optimize growth and reproduction. In consequence most of the motility systems are coupled to photoreceptors and are regulated by signal transduction cascades. Algal cell motility has thus attracted consid erable interest also from non-phycologists and some algal motility systems have become models of research in cell and molecular biology. This book summarizes some of the progress that has been made in recent years in the analysis of cell motility phenomena in the algae. Although complete coverage of the subject was not attempted, the six chapters cover all the major types of cell motility systems and the authors provide in depth reviews of gliding motility, chloroplast movements, cytoplasmic streaming, flagellar beat pat terns, mechanisms of flagellar movement and centrin-mediated cell motility.

The Cytoskeleton of the Algae provides a comprehensive examination of the structural features of the cytoskeleton in phylogenetic branches of algae. The book also analyzes the possible functions of cytoskeletal components using structural, physiological, genetic, and molecular approaches. Many taxa are described in detail, mirroring the dramatic progress that has been made in recent years in this new research field. Many unique structural elements and motility phenomena are described for the first time, and other features common to all plant cells, such as cell polarity, cytoplasmic streaming, mitosis, cell wall deposition, and contractile events are analyzed using algae as experimental model systems. The Cytoskeleton of the Algae reflects the enormous impact that research on the algal cytoskeleton has on both phycology and plant cell biology, and it will serve as an excellent reference volume for researchers in this area.

This comprehensive book details the most recent advances in the microalgae biological sciences and engineering technologies for biomass and biofuel production in order to meet the ongoing need for new and affordable sources of food, chemicals and energy for future generations. The chapters explore new microalgae cultivation techniques, including solid (biofilm) systems, and heterotrophic production methods, while also critically investigating topics such as combining wastewater as a source of nutrients, the effect of CO2 on growth, and converting biomass to methane through anaerobic digestion. The book highlights innovative bioproduct optimization and molecular genetic techniques, applications of genomics and metabolomics, and the genetic engineering of microalgae strains targeting biocrude production. The latest developments in microalgae harvesting and dewatering technologies, which combine biomass production with electricity generation, are presented, along with detailed techno-economic modeling. This extensive volume was written by respected experts in their fields and is intended for a wide audience of researchers and engineers.

This book introduces the reader to algal diversity as currently understood and then traces the photosynthetic structures and mechanisms that contribute so much to making the algae unique. Indeed the field is now so large that no one expert can hope to cover it all. The 19 articles are each written by experts in their area; ranging over all the essential aspects and making for a comprehensive coverage of the whole field. Important developments in molecular biology, especially transformation mutants in Chlamydomonas, are dealt with, as well as areas important to global climate change, carbon dioxide exchange, light harvesting, energy transduction, biotechnology and many others. The book is intended for use by graduate students and beginning researchers in the areas of molecular and cell biology, integrative biology, plant biology, biochemistry and biophysics, biotechnology, global ecology, and phycology.

This book reviews efforts to produce chemicals and fuels from forest and plant products, agricultural residues and more. Algae can potentially capture solar energy and atmospheric CO2; the book details needed research and legislative initiatives.