PHAECTORY: Phaeodactylum tricornutum 
Diatoms are of great ecological relevance because they are responsible for up to 20 % of the global carbon dioxide fixation and generate about 40 % of the marine biomass of primary producers (Falkowski
et al., 1998, Science and Field
et al., 1998, Science). Diatoms also represent an important source of lipids and silicate. This makes them attractive for various biotechnological applications e.g. in biofuel industry, food industry and bioplastic production. The widely spread diatom
Phaeodactylum tricornutum is particularly interesting. It is robust and exists in three different morphotypes: Oval, triradial and fusiform whereupon the latter one is the most common appearance. Its entire genome has been sequenced, an easy transfection method (Apt
et al., 1996, Mol Gen Genet) is well established as well as protocols for the cultivation are available. Taking this into account it appeared to us as the perfect organism to produce complex proteins for the iGEM competition.
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