Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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24-epicastasterone
CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII
P.A. DANG
Phylum: Chlorophyta
Class: Chlorophyceae
Order: Volvocales
Family: Chlamydomonadaceae
Distribution: Throughout world
Habitat: Freshwater habitats
Description: This highly adaptable and single-celled species (10 µm diameter)
swims with two lagella. A cup-shaped chloroplast, a large pyrenoid, and an
eye spot are present in each cell.
Composition and activities: The B-type cyclin-dependent kinase produced by
this species regulates the activity of tumor suppressor protein Rb and cell
cycle progression. Further, the wall-less cw 15 mutant of this species, owing
to its enzymes, namely, topoisomerases I and II, could advantageously
replace mammalian cells in the screening of anticancer drugs (Maucourt
et al., 2002). Other bioactive compounds of this species, viz., pinolenic
acid and coniferonic acid (which are also present in pinus seed oils), have
been reported to prevent osteoporosis. Its peptides have wide applications
as additives in food industries and in the production of human therapeutic
