[3] Chlainomonas consists of single, ovate cells with four apical flagella attached at the tip.

The protoplast is separated from the cell wall by a thick, hyaline layer; it is often filled with red pigments.

[1] Chlainomonas reproduces asexually; no sexual reproduction has been observed in this genus.

[4] After this, the protoplast quickly becomes surrounded by a gelatinous layer, similar to the parent cell.

[5] When in snow, Chlainomonas is typically found as a resting spore[5] (also known as a cyst),[6] and may be in one of two different morphologies.