I mentioned single-celled green algae earlier. On the left is an electron micrograph of single-celled green algae called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This fascinating little organism can be considered a miniature “plant” in the sense that it has chloroplasts, can photosynthesize, and hence produce its own supply of energy (also called photoautotrophy). You will also notice a whip-like structure at the top of the cell called a flagellum that allows this freshwater algae to be motile, unlike sessile plants that grow on land. This organism can be easily cultured in a laboratory setting and has been widely researched for its potential application in developing biofuels.

The single-celled Chlamydomonas you see above can be easily grown in a laboratory. On the left you can see this green algae being cultured on a Petri Plate.