From molecular manipulation of domesticated <i>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</i> to survival in nature.

Abstract

In the mid-20th century, the unicellular and genetically tractable green alga <i>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</i> was first developed as a model organism to elucidate fundamental cellular processes such as photosynthesis, light perception and the structure, function and biogenesis of cilia. Various studies of <i>C. reinhardtii</i> have profoundly advanced plant and cell biology, and have also impacted algal biotechnology and our understanding of human disease. However, the 'real' life of <i>C. reinhardtii</i> in the natural environment has largely been neglected. To extend our understanding of the biology of <i>C. reinhardtii</i>, it will be rewarding to explore its behavior in its natural habitats, learning more about its abundance and life cycle, its genetic and physiological diversity, and its biotic and abiotic interactions.