Novel approaches for generating and manipulating diploid strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Genetic study of haploid organisms offers the advantage that mutant phenotypes are directly displayed, but has the disadvantage that strains carrying lethal mutations are not readily maintained. We describe an approach for generating and performing genetic analysis of diploid strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is normally haploid. First protocol utilizes self-mating diploid strains that will facilitate the genetic analysis of recessive lethal mutations by offering a convenient way to produce homozygous diploids in a single mating. Second protocol is designed to reduce the chance of contamination and the accumulation of spontaneous mutations for long-term storage of mutant strains. Third protocol for inducing the meiotic program is also included to produce haploid mutant strains following tetraploid genetic analysis. We discuss implication of self-fertile strains for the future of Chlamydomonas research.