The chloroplast genome utilizes regulatory mechanisms at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. The development of a technique to introduce defined mutations into the Chlamydomonas chloroplast by this laboratory has made it possible to take a genetic approach to studying the translational control of chloroplast electron transport genes. Since mRNA stability is one mechanism for regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally, RNA-binding proteins and ribonucleases which can affect such stability will also be identified and characterized. %%% The information resulting from this study of the mechanisms involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in the chloroplast will give greater insight into process which permits life forms to exist on this earth.
