Algae are similar to the genus Chlamydomonas, but lack chlorophyll and are colorless.

[4] Polytoma is a genus of colorless, free-living chlorophytes similar in form to Chlamydomonas but lacking chlorophyll.

Polytoma possesses a leukoplast in place of a chloroplast, in which many starch grains are concentrated; there are typically no pyrenoids.

Since they lack photosynthetic capability, Polytoma species are entirely saprotrophic, obtaining nutrients from decaying organic matter.

Some species possess an eyespot apparatus (stigma) in the anterior portion of the leucoplast, but in others this organelle is absent.