Chilomonas
Quick Summary
Chilomonas is a genus of small, colorless, freshwater, plant-like flagellates. These organisms are characterized by having two anterior flagella and lacking pyrenoids, which are structures involved in photosynthesis. They belong to the family Cryptomonadidae and have been extensively used in biological research.1
While related to algae, Chilomonas does not possess chromatophores, the pigment-containing structures typical of photosynthetic algae. Instead, it obtains nutrients by ingesting organic matter. This characteristic blurs the lines between plant-like and animal-like organisms, making their precise taxonomic classification a subject of discussion among scientists.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
