Subategory:

Mutants

Description:

Using standard methods of directed mutagenesis and chloroplast transformation of rbcLΔ-MX3312 mt+ (MUT-4696), six substitutions (G168P, L326I, M349L, M375L, A398S, and C399V) together in the Rubisco large subunit were created. This mutant (also named G168-399) represents one of 15 "groups" of amino acids that differ between Chlamydomonas and land plants. It was created to investigate phylogenetic differences that influence Rubisco catalysis. The mutant enzyme has decreases in CO₂/O₂ specificity and carboxylation catalytic efficiency. This strain has been maintained with acetate medium in darkness to prevent selection for secondary mutations that may improve Rubisco function.

Species:

Chlamydomonas

Locus:

rbcL

Chromosome:

Chloroplast