Chlamydomonas

/ˌklæmɪdoʊˈmoʊnəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of single-celled green algae with two flagella, a cell wall, and the ability to perform photosynthesis; commonly used in scientific research.

Etymology

From Greek chlamys (sheath, cloak) + monas (unit, being). Named for the sheath-like cell wall enclosing the organism.

Kelly Says

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is the algae chosen to be a model organism for genetics research—its compact genome was fully sequenced, making it invaluable for understanding photosynthesis!

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