Cells contain membrane-bound organelles (chloroplasts, nuclei etc) and cell contents are grass green

Approx. spherical cells embedded in a mass of jelly

Approximately spherical cells embedded in a mass of jelly, lacking whip-like flagella, and not connected by threads.

Cells are curved, associated in loose colonies

Cells embedded in a mass of spherical jelly

Cells embedded in a mass of spherical jelly, with whip-like flagella pointing outwards.

Colony comprised of cells in flat sheets or skeins; cells lack contrictions

Cells connected by branching threads

Cells connected by branching threads of jelly or old wall material.

Colonies have regular structure

Colonies have regular structure, not haphazardly arranged; colonies of cells often in multiples of 2 or 4; whip-like flagella absent.

Colony is a tight mass of cells with long spines radiating outward

Cells long and thin, with tapering ends