Chlorella facts for kids
Chlorella is a type of tiny, single-celled green algae. Think of it like a very small plant that lives in water. It's so small you need a microscope to see it! Chlorella cells are round and belong to a group of green algae called Chlorophyta.
Chlorella has two green colors inside its body, called "chlorophyll-a" and "chlorophyll b." These are the same colors that help plants make their own food using sunlight. This process is called photosynthesis. Chlorella can grow very quickly. All it needs is carbon dioxide (the gas we breathe out), water, sunlight, and a few minerals to multiply.
Chlorella as Food and Energy
Many people think Chlorella could be a great source of food and energy for the future. This is because it's very good at photosynthesis. In fact, it can turn sunlight into energy more efficiently than some other plants we use for food, like sugar cane.
In 1961, a scientist named Melvin Calvin won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He got this award for his important research on how plants use carbon dioxide. He did much of his work using Chlorella to understand this process better.
How Chlorella Reproduces
Chlorella reproduces in a simple way, without needing a partner. This is called asexual reproduction. A single Chlorella cell can make at least 16 new tiny cells, called aplanospores. Each of these new cells can then grow into a full-sized Chlorella cell if conditions are right. Scientists have not found any evidence of Chlorella reproducing with a partner (sexual reproduction).
Images for kids
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Chlorella growing in a special tank at L'Eclosarium, Houat.
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Chlorella is sometimes made into pills.
See also
In Spanish: Chlorella para niños
