Asexual reproduction
Most microalgae reproduce asexually: a mother cell gives rise to genetically identical daughter cells. In many green algae, such as Chlorella, this occurs by the formation of autospores inside the mother cell, which are then released.
Autospores and binary fission
Eukaryotic algae divide by mitosis and, depending on the species, through autospores or bipartition. Cyanobacteria, such as Spirulina, being prokaryotes, divide by binary fission, without mitosis. Some species can also resort to sexual reproduction under specific conditions.
Doubling speed
Under optimal conditions of light, temperature and nutrients, many microalgae can double their biomass within hours to a few days. This high growth rate is what makes them so attractive for industrial biomass production.
Relevance for cultivation
Understanding the cell-division cycle makes it possible to optimise cultivation: adjusting density, harvest timing and conditions to keep the culture in its most productive growth phase.
FAQ
Mainly asexually, by cell division: autospores or bipartition in eukaryotic algae, and binary fission in cyanobacteria.
Under optimal conditions they can double their biomass in hours or a few days, which makes large-scale production easier.
Sources
- Richmond, A. & Hu, Q. (eds.) (2013). Handbook of Microalgal Culture: Applied Phycology and Biotechnology. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Chisti, Y. (2007). Biodiesel from microalgae. Biotechnology Advances, 25(3), 294–306.
- Spolaore, P. et al. (2006). Commercial applications of microalgae. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 101(2), 87–96.
- Mata, T.M. et al. (2010). Microalgae for biodiesel production and other applications: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14(1), 217–232.
Scientific outreach based on specialised literature. Scientific review: pending.
Other topics