In Process Record

The Volvocales and Chlorococcales share a common ancestry from a cell type exemplified by Chlamydomonas. Using live cells, this video shows how simple evolutionary trends working on Chlamydomonad ancestors have generated diversity and complexity.. In Volvocalean evolution, unicellular ancestors became multicellular (e.g., Volvox) by daughter cells adhering after division. Concurrently, they evolved various advanced characters (e.g., differentiation of reproductive cells and “inversion,” when spherical colonies turn themselves inside out.). In Chlorococcalean evolution, Chlamydomonad ancestors explored the possibilities inherent in four trends: becoming multinucleate, autospore formation, losing motility, and in forming colonies. The result is a remarkable diversity in morphology and in mechanisms of colony formation while they reiterate their ancestry by differentiating Chlamydomonad cells during colony formation or sex.. These beautiful organisms are captured in their full vibrancy and color. Many of the sequences are time lapse. The video is a valuable resource for anyone interested in cells, and the images are guaranteed to excite student interest and create a memorable learning experience

Title from title frames

Film

Originally produced by Cytographics in 2008

Mode of access: World Wide Web

In English