Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a single celled chlorophyte. Highly adaptable, these green algae live in many different environments throughout the world. Normally deriving energy from photosynthesis, with an alternative carbon source, C. reinhardtii can also thrive in total darkness. The relative adaptability and quick generation time has made Chlamydomonas an important model for biological research. Over the years, studies of Chlamydomonas have provided major research contributions in the areas of photosynthesis and molecular biology.

Publication:
Merchant, S. et al. The Chlamydomonas genome reveals the evolution of key animal and plant functions. Science 318, 245-50 (2007).