초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD), the enzyme that converts stearic acid into oleic acid, is silenced by artificial microRNA in the green microalga <I>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</I>. Two different constructs, which target different positions on the mRNA of stearoyl-ACP desaturase, were tested. The mRNA levels for SAD were reduced after the silencing construct was induced. In one of the strains, the reduction in SAD mRNA resulted in a doubling of the stearic acid content in triacylglycerol molecules, which shows that stearic acid production in microalgae is possible.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Stearoyl-ACP desaturase is silenced by artificial microRNA in the green microalga <I>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</I>. </LI> <LI> Increased stearic acid content in triacylglycerol molecules in mutants of <I>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</I>. </LI> <LI> Temperature impacts the accumulation rate of stearic acid. </LI> </UL> </P>