Porphyra: A model plant in marine sciences

Abstract

A marine red alga Porphyra has recently received great interest not only as a valuable marine crop but also as a model plant for fundamental and applied studies in marine sciences. Porphyra has a unique dimorphic life cycle which consists of a leafy gametophytic generation and a filamentous sporophytic one. It completes its life cycle in laboratory culture within a few months and has a small number of chromosomes (2-7) in the haploid phase. The haploid genome sizes in the genus Porphyra (2.7-5.3 × 108 bp) are in the same order of magnitude as those of Arabidopsis thaliana. Genetic analyses, including both classical and modern molecular studies are in progress. Now, we are performing the following studies in order to make Porphyra a sophisticated model organism: cryo-preservation, establishment of mutant cell lines, development of host-vector system for transformation, Porphyra genome project which includes genetic map, EST, DNA macro/micro array, etc. We will introduce arrangements for an infrastructure of advanced research on Porphyra yezoensis which is a key to opening the door towards a new marine botany world. © 2002, The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. All rights reserved.