Abstract:[Objective]We studied the effects of trophic modes related to glucose and light (photoautotrophy,mixotrophy and heterotrophy) on growth,cellular components and carbon metabolic pathway of Chlorella vulgaris.[Methods]The parameters about growth of algal cells were investigated by using spectroscopy and chromatography techniques.[Results]When trophic mode changed from photoautotrophy to mixotrophy and to heterotrophy successively,the concentrations of soluble sugar,lipid and saturated C16/C18 fatty acids in C.vulgaris increased,whereas the concentrations of unsaturated C16,C18 fatty acids,proteins,photosynthetic pigments and 18 relative amino acids decreased. Light and glucose affect the growth,metabolism and the biochemical components biosynthesis of C.vulgaris.Addition of glucose can promote algal biomass accumulation,stimulate the synthesis of carbonaceous components,but inhibit nitrogenous components.Under illumination cultivation,concentration and consumption level of glucose decided the main trophic modes of C. vulgaris.[Conclusion]Mixotrophic and heterotrophic cultivation could promote the growth of algal cells.