A brief introduction to the model microswimmer {\it Chlamydomonas reinhardtii}

TL;DR

This paper provides a concise overview of the biology and biophysics of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, highlighting its significance as a model organism for physicists interested in microswimmer research.

Contribution

It offers a targeted introduction for physicists, summarizing key biological and biophysical aspects of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to facilitate interdisciplinary research.

Findings

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a versatile model organism in biophysics.

The paper summarizes important biological features relevant to microswimmer studies.

It highlights recent interest in biophysical research involving this microorganism.

Abstract

The unicellular biflagellate green alga {\it Chlamydomonas reinhardtii} has been an important model system in biology for decades, and in recent years it has started to attract growing attention also within the biophysics community. Here we provide a concise review of some of the aspects of {\it Chlamydomonas} biology and biophysics most immediately relevant to physicists that might be interested in starting to work with this versatile microorganism.