Suppression of the phytoene synthase gene (EgcrtB) alters carotenoid content and intracellular structure of Euglena gracilis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Photosynthetic organisms utilize carotenoids for photoprotection as well as light harvesting. Our previous study revealed that high-intensity light increases the expression of the gene for phytoene synthase (EgcrtB) in Euglena gracilis (a unicellular phytoflagellate), the encoded enzyme catalyzes the first committed step of the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. To examine carotenoid synthesis of E. gracilis in response to light stress, we analyzed carotenoid species and content in cells grown under various light intensities. In addition, we investigated the effect of suppressing EgcrtB with RNA interference (RNAi) on growth and carotenoid content.

Results

After cultivation for 7 days under continuous light at 920 μmol m^-2 s^-1, β-carotene, diad

SUBMITTER: Kato S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5513367 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature