Chlamydomonas

Chlamydomonas

Genus of single-celled green algae considered to be primitive life-forms of evolutionary significance. The cell has a spherical cellulose membrane, an eyespot, and a cup-shaped, pigment-containing chloroplast. Though capable of photosynthesis, Chlamydomonas may also absorb nutrients through the cell surface. It is found in soil, ponds, and ditches polluted by manure. It may colour water green. A red-pigmented species turns melting snow red.

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Chlamydomonas 

a genus of microscopic unicellular green algae of the class Volvocophyceae. Members of the genus are for the most part motile owing to the presence of two flagella on the anterior end of the body; they have two pulsating vacuoles, a red pigment-bearing corpuscle called an ocellus, and a chloroplast with a pyrenoid. The organisms reproduce by means of isogamy, heterogamy, and occasionally oogamy. The zygote produces zoospores after meiosis.

The genus embraces 300 species, 100 of which are found in the USSR. With rare exceptions they inhabit fresh water, especially polluted water.