Orr Biologicals / living systems lab

A tiny cell.
A whole culture.

Follow one green cell as it captures light, builds biomass, divides, and becomes a thriving microalgal culture.

07 scenes 01 illustrative model ∞ possible cultures

MICROALGAE GROWTH / EXPLORATION MODE

01 · The starting culture

RUNNING · ILLUSTRATIVE
MICROSCOPE / 1200×ARTHROSPIRA · REFERENCE
00:00SCENE 01 / 07
A few cells drift through a nutrient-rich water column.

A live canvas animation. The current scene is the starting culture: a few green algal cells drift in water while light rays enter from above and nutrient particles move through the field.

SCENE 01 / THE STARTING CULTURE00:00 / 00:46
Voiceover off.
SCENE 01

Start with a viable cell

A small inoculum begins with water, dissolved carbon dioxide, light, and mineral nutrients. Each cell is a complete living system with its own boundary, pigments, and machinery for turning energy into new material.

light+CO₂+H₂O+nutrients→biomass + O₂

The exact pigments, shape, and division rhythm vary by species and conditions.

OB

Scientific note This experience separates photosynthesis, nutrient assimilation, cell growth, and reproduction. The population values and graph are an illustrative teaching model, not experimentally validated forecasts.

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