Figure 1 | Scientific Reports

Figure 1

From: Detection of the oil-producing microalga Botryococcus braunii in natural freshwater environments by targeting the hydrocarbon biosynthesis gene SSL-3

Figure 1

Characteristics of Botryococcus braunii strain Showa (race B) colonies. Botryococcus braunii is a colonial green alga. The Showa strain produces CnH2n-10 (n = 30–34) hydrocarbons called botryococcenes. Botryococcenes are synthesized inside the cells of the colony and are observed as intracellular oil bodies that are secreted into the colony extracellular matrix where the majority of the hydrocarbons are stored. (a) A 10-mL glass tube culture of Showa: Left, mixed gently; Right, left undisturbed overnight, where the colonies floated upward. (b) Microscopic view of the Showa colonies. (c) The Showa colony was flattened by cover glass, and hydrocarbons exuded from extracellular matrices.

Back to article page