Description
Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae, belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta. Chlorella contains the green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll b in its chloroplast. It depends on photosynthesis for growth and multiplies rapidly, requiring only carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a small amount of minerals. Chlorella has been researched as a potential source of food and energy, because its efficiency of photosynthesis can reach 8%, which is comparable with other highly efficient crops such as sugarcane. Chlorella media were originally formulated by Shrift and further modified for cultivation and maintenance of Chlorella species. All algae utilize inorganic phosphates and sulphates. There is a fairly high requirement of molybdate as a trace metal in nitrogen fixation. Algae require calcium, magnesium, potassium and probably sodium. Most algae grow poorly on agar and it is best to let them become established in liquid culture before adapting them to the more rigorous conditions of an agar slant. Chlorella being photosynthetic green algae, should be cultivated in the presence of light. Bright diffuse light; fluorescent light and sunlight are satisfactory sources of light for the growth of Chlorella. The inoculated tubes/flasks should be incubated in the presence of light at 25-27?C for a week to permit good growth and pigmentation. Chlorella cultures can be maintained at room temperature for 2-3 months without subculturing.
