Chlorophyta--Volvox

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.