Volvox is a polyphyletic genus of chlorophyte green algae in the family Volvocaceae. Its species form spherical colonies of up to 50,000 cells, for which reason they are sometimes called globe algae, and it was first reported by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1700. It occurs in a variety of freshwater habitats worldwide, and its colonies are differentiated into somatic and reproductive cells capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction; because of this, Volvox and its close relatives are used as model organisms to study cellular movement, sexual reproduction and the evolution of multicellularity.
Facts
Classification
DietPhotosynthetic Autotroph 1 System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleEcotourism and Research 1 Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceMature Volvox colonies are hollow spheres composed of hundreds to tens of thousands of cells of two types, numerous flagellate somatic cells and fewer germ cells, embedded at the surface. 1 Scientific Name Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Volvox
Introduction
Volvox is a polyphyletic genus of chlorophyte green algae in the family Volvocaceae.
Description section
Mature colonies of Volvox are composed of hundreds, up to tens of thousands of cells from two differentiated cell types: numerous flagellate somatic cells and a smaller number of germ cells lacking in soma that are embedded in the surface of a hollow sphere.
system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
It occurs in a variety of freshwater habitats and has a widespread, cosmopolitan distribution.
Article text
The cells have a cup-shaped chloroplast with a single pyrenoid and an anterior eyespot that enables the colony to swim toward light.
Research use
Because of this, Volvox and its relatives are used as model organisms in the classroom and laboratory to study biological processes such as cellular movement, sexual reproduction, and evolution of multicellularity.
- In Biome: Freshwater, Wikipedia intro: "nhoek in 1700, it is distinctive and easily identified in the microscope. It occurs in a variety of freshwater habitats and has a widespread, cosmopolitan distr..."
In Group: Green Microalgae (Chlorophyta and Charophyta), Lead
Volvox is a polyphyletic genus of chlorophyte green algae in the family Volvocaceae.
View the Source2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ310495, descriptionView the Source Wikidata: Volvox
- Wikidata Q310495, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Child Taxon Of: Chlorophyceae, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
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