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- Chlamydomonas is phototactic
- the cells are attracted to moderate but not intense light levels
due to a photoreceptor near the eyespot.
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- Species
distinctions can be quite difficult and are based mainly on the
position of the chloroplasts and the number of pyrenoids.
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- Chlamydomonas is a small,
unicellular green alga. The spherical, ovoid, or ellipsoidal
cells have two equal, anterior flagella with two contractile
vacuoles at their base. A single parietal, cup-shaped chloroplast
with one or several pyrenoids occupies much of the cell. The
cell usually has a single eyespot. The cell wall is rigid, layered,
and composed of glycoproteins rather than cellulose.
- The
two flagella emerge through holes in the cell wall and may be
protected by collars in some species. The cell rotates and swims
using a breaststroke movement.
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