Chlamydomonas reinhardtii [Image courtesy of Thomas Pröschold]

The genome sequence and gene models of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CC-4532 v6.1 were downloaded from Phytozome, the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) plant genomics portal. In order to allow comparative analyses with other algal genomes sequenced by the JGI, a copy of this genome is incorporated into PhycoCosm. JGI tools were used to automatically annotate predicted proteins.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a single celled green alga belonging to the chlorophytes, a highly diverse group of marine, freshwater and terrestrial species that diverged from the streptophytes as many as 1 billion years ago. C. reinhardtii, which has generally been found in soil, normally derives energy from photosynthesis, but can also use acetate as an alternative reduced carbon source for heterotrophic growth.

Its experimental tractability has made Chlamydomonas an important model organism for studying photosynthesis, chloroplast biology and cilia. More recently, the species has made important contributions to many other fields, including cell cycle research and optogenetics.

The version 6 genome is based on the mating type minus strain CC-4532, which shares close ancestry with the large collection of strains commonly used in the laboratory, including the previous reference strain, CC-503. With this update, a contig of the plus mating type from strain CC-503, and the two organelle genomes have been added.

The present update includes expertly curated revisions to the gene functional annotations and corresponding gene symbols. With a view to maintaining currency and relevance, Chlamydomonas researchers are encouraged to submit information on gene function and structure to chlamy DOT updates AT gmail DOT com so that the information can be considered for inclusion in future updates.

[text source: Phytozome]