The article discusses the genetic engineering of algae to enhance biofuel production. It highlights the potential of photosynthetic microorganisms, particularly eukaryotic microalgae, due to their high photosynthetic conversion efficiencies, diverse metabolic capabilities, and ability to store or secrete energy-rich hydrocarbons. The review covers advancements in microalgal genomics, genetic transformation methods, and the manipulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Key strategies include increasing lipid content through overexpression of lipid synthesis genes, blocking lipid catabolism, and modifying lipid characteristics for better fuel suitability. The article also explores the direct biological synthesis of biofuels, such as fatty acid esters, alkanes, and alcohols, and the secretion of these compounds into the growth medium to reduce downstream processing costs. Finally, it discusses genetic modifications to enhance carbohydrate metabolism, including starch synthesis and storage, to produce biofuels like ethanol and butanol.The article discusses the genetic engineering of algae to enhance biofuel production. It highlights the potential of photosynthetic microorganisms, particularly eukaryotic microalgae, due to their high photosynthetic conversion efficiencies, diverse metabolic capabilities, and ability to store or secrete energy-rich hydrocarbons. The review covers advancements in microalgal genomics, genetic transformation methods, and the manipulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Key strategies include increasing lipid content through overexpression of lipid synthesis genes, blocking lipid catabolism, and modifying lipid characteristics for better fuel suitability. The article also explores the direct biological synthesis of biofuels, such as fatty acid esters, alkanes, and alcohols, and the secretion of these compounds into the growth medium to reduce downstream processing costs. Finally, it discusses genetic modifications to enhance carbohydrate metabolism, including starch synthesis and storage, to produce biofuels like ethanol and butanol.