Chlamydomonas

Chlamydomonas is a genus of unicellular green algae commonly found in freshwater and soil. Its cells typically move using two flagella and contain a cup-shaped chloroplast.

Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Chlamydomonas cells have a nucleus and organelles, including chloroplasts and mitochondria.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: A unicellular green alga widely used in research on photosynthesis, flagella, and cellular biology. This species is the best-studied representative of the genus.
Model organism: A species studied intensively to reveal biological processes that can inform research on other organisms. Chlamydomonas offers experimentally accessible systems for studying eukaryotic cells.
Chlorella: A genus of unicellular green algae that typically lacks flagella and is common in freshwater and soil. Unlike typical Chlamydomonas cells, Chlorella cells are nonmotile and lack flagella.
Chloroplast: A photosynthetic organelle that converts light energy into chemical energy in plants and algae. Its large chloroplast carries out photosynthesis and gives the cell much of its green color.
Flagellar beat: The rhythmic bending pattern by which a flagellum generates movement or fluid flow. Coordinated beating of its two flagella drives swimming.
Optogenetics: The use of light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of cells or biological processes. Channelrhodopsins first characterized in Chlamydomonas became widely used optogenetic tools.
Volvox: A genus of colonial green algae whose spherical colonies contain many biflagellate cells. Volvox illustrates a more organized colonial form within the volvocine green algae.
Flagellum: A slender cellular structure that propels or senses a cell through movement. Two flagella propel typical Chlamydomonas cells through water.
Photoreceptor: A molecule or cell structure that detects light and initiates a biological response. Photoreceptors in the eyespot system detect directional light.

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