Transformability of Raphidophytes

A significant challenge to the development of microeukaryotes for genetic manipulation is the presence of a cell wall which inhibits or prevents efficient transformation of many algal strains. Current methods of transformation often require the use of mutant cell wall-less strains of algae or require chemical or enzymatic removal of cell walls. Raphidophytes are naturally wall-less, alleviating the need for development of mutant strains or the use of harsh chemical or physical treatment. For this project, our aim was to compare several approaches for transforming three raphidophyte species.