Chlorella - green, non-motile, single-celled algae

Chlorella are free living, single celled, non-motile green algae which can live in a commensal relationship within tissues or cells of invertebrates, (eg. protozoa, hydra). Chlorella are often found in fouled or untended aquariums, and frequently seen in mixed algae cultures derived from pond water. The organism has been extensively studied in connection with photosynthesis, and for its potential as a food source.

Fresh water sponges are invariably green because of Chlorella. The size, shape and number of pyrenoids are used to differentiate species, and there is a thin cup-shaped or platelike chloroplast within every cell.

See: Chlorella Culture Media CM3

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