ChlorophytaVolvox

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Chlorophyta--Volvox
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Volvox
Volvox is a spherical freshwater colony of
Chlorophyta that is composed of flagellate
cells. The colonies are very large and can be
seen with the naked eye in most circumstances.
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Volvox-- overview

• Each mature Volvox colony is composed of numerous
  flagellate cells similar to Chlamydomonas on the
  order of 10003000 in total and embedded in the
  surface of a hollow sphere or coenobium made of a
  gelatinous glycoprotein.

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More Volvox

• The colony is enabled to swim towards light as a
  result of the eyespots on the cells.
• Generally located at the anterior of the cell
  these eyespots allow for coordinated movement of
  the colony (connected together by thin strands of
  cytoplasm).

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Reproduction

• The colony can be either asexual or sexual with
  the asexual colonies having both somatic cells
  and reproducing cells called gonidia. Gonidia
  cells are located near the posterior and produce
  new colonies through rapid reproduction.
• If sexual reproduction takes place two types of
  gametes are produced. Male colonies will release
  sperm while female colonies will grow into
  oogametes.

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Biotic Community Member

• Volvox is a freshwater algae and is found in
  ponds and ditches even in shallow puddles. It is
  a vital food source for small animals and serves
  as a good indicator of the health of a pond or
  lake as algae can only exist in oxygen-rich
  environments.