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 is a new type of calculus book: Students who master this text will be well versed in calculus and, in addition, possess a useful working knowledge of how to use modern symbolic mathematics software systems for solving problems in calculus. This will equip them with the mathematical competence they need for science and engineering and the competitive workplace. MACSYMA is used as the software in which the example programs and calculations are given. However, by the experience gained in this book, the student will also be able to use any of the other major mathematical software systems, like for example AXIOM, MATHEMATICA, MAPLE, DERIVE or REDUCE, for doing calculus on computers.
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.
Abstract: With the current state of climate change and world peak oil on the horizon, it is important to focus our research efforts on alternative sources of energy. Ethanol obtained from the digestion of biomass (bioethanol) and oil harvesting from algae (biodiesel) are two promising fields of study for transportation fuel production. However, in their current state of development, neither option is capable of reasonably replacing the transportation fuel demand for this country. The land demand needed is too large for either process to become a viable option, albeit the land demand for biodiesel is considerably smaller than that of bioethanol. Therefore, when moving forward with alternative transportation fuel, harvesting oil from algae is a more promising option. Therefore, I investigated oil producing green algae to better understand algal growth, the algal cytoskeleton, and tried to establish a methodology to genetically manipulate algae. I developed a microgrowth assay in order to investigate algal growth and proliferation, while at the same time using considerably less material and space. This assay can directly monitor algal growth in response to media contents, and overcomes many of the limitations of existing microassays due to its use of solid media agar and fluorescent imaging. I also investigated algal genetic manipulation with the intention of creating a standard operating procedure, which could lead to further investigation of how to increase lipid output and increase lipid harvesting cycles through studying lipid production and cell division. Electroporation and PEG mediated transformation were the two chief methods investigated for nuclear transformation. Lastly, I performed an algal kinesin phylogenetic study to characterize the currently available algal kinesin superfamily, providing insight to proteins that are important for cell division as well as other functions within this superfamily. Kinesins 5, Kinesin 7s Class II and Class V, and Kinesin 14 Class I were identified to be important for algal cell division, while Kinesin 8, 12, 11, and some orphan kinesins will require further investigation due to their unknown plant function. Overall, this research provides a foundation for future algal studies required for optimal oil production necessary for a more sustainable future.
Valuable and unexpected insights into basic functions have been revealed through comparative studies of algal biology. This treatise demonstrates the use of appropriate algal models for basic cell research in such topics as microtubule activity, the cytoskeleton, flagellar dynamics, cell-cell recognition systems, mating reactions, morphogenesis, differentiation, cellular polarity, photosynthetic systems, and circadian rhythms. Up-to-date coverage includes: organelles involved with the cytoskeleton; morphogenesis and the use of algal cells as models for studying such phenomena as differentiaton, thallus morphology, and cell polarity; mating reactions such as sexual interactions, agglutination, and the role of pheromones and specific receptors; and the use of algae for model systems to study cellular complexes and multistep processes.
