Chlorellaceae

Chlorellaceae are a family of green algae in the order Chlorellales. About 250 species are currently accepted in the family. Members of the family are distributed worldwide and are common in a variety of freshwater, terrestrial and marine environments.

Members of the family Chlorellaceae are important ecologically, mainly as primary producers. Algae such as Chlorella are important model organisms for plant physiology and biochemistry, because of they are easy to cultivate and grow rapidly. Additionally, many members are rich in lipids, carbohydrates and vitamins, making them of interest in the field of biotechnology. Meanwhile, genera such as Prototheca are of clinical significance as pathogens of humans and other animals.