Abstract: A method of transferring an exogenous gene into a eukaryotic algal cell, the method including performing electroporation using multiple square-wave pulses to the solution containing a cell of a green alga with cell-wall, and a nucleic acid molecule by the following three steps: applying a square-wave electric pulse (first electric pulse) with a high voltage for a short period of time under the condition that its total electric energy falls within a predetermined range; then applying a square-wave electric pulse (second electric pulse) with a low voltage for a long period of time two or more times; and then applying a square-wave electric pulse (third electric pulse) that is opposite in polarity to the second electric pulse, with a low voltage for a long period of time, two or more times.

Abstract: To provide a technology that solves the above-mentioned problems, and is directly applicable to eukaryotic algal cells with cell-wall, the technology enabling gene transfer and transformation to be performed with high efficiency and good reproducibility irrespective of species of algae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having a ?5 fatty acid desaturation activity and a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide as well as use thereof. For example, the present invention relates to a polypeptide, comprising (a) the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) the amino acid sequence in which one or more amino acids are substituted, deleted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, and having the ?5 fatty acid desaturation activity; an antibody capable of binding to this polypeptide; a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide; a vector comprising this polynucleotide; a cell or transformant introduced with the polynucleotide; a method of producing a fatty acid using the cell, and so on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having a ?5 fatty acid desaturation activity and a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide as well as use thereof. For example, the present invention relates to a polypeptide, comprising (a) the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) the amino acid sequence in which one or more amino acids are substituted, deleted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, and having the ?5 fatty acid desaturation activity; an antibody capable of binding to this polypeptide; a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide; a vector comprising this polynucleotide; a cell or transformant introduced with the polynucleotide; a method of producing a fatty acid using the cell, and so on.