MOLECULAR-GENETICS OF CYANOBACTERIA - NEW AVENUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

In the recent past, the progress in molecular genetics of cyanobacteri a has led to their extensive use as model systems to study oxygenic ph otosynthesis and as hosts for biotechnological applications. Some sign ificant advances include elucidation of the nucleotide sequence of the complete genome of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, understanding the mech anisms of gene regulation and signal transduction in different cyanoba cterial species, and use of diverse molecular genetic techniques in cy anobacteria. These studies are expected to aid development of innovati ve biotechnological applications in production of novel compounds, in development of new foods and feeds, and in environment-friendly method s of insect control and bioremediation.