Hydrodynamic conditions play an essential role in the growth and migration of algae, but the response of algae to turbulence remain poorly understood. This paper systematically describes the effects of turbulence on the biomass and vertical migration of algae, as well as the key factors affecting the algae turbulence sensitivity. First, turbulence can affect accumulation of algal biomass by interfering with processes such as cell division and energy metabolism (photosynthesis and nutrient absorption). Second, turbulence can affect the vertical migra-tion behavior of algae by mediating the buoyancy and mechanical stability of algae. Finally, factors affecting the algae turbulence sensitivity are analysed from the point of view of the physiological structure of the algal cell and the phases of the cell cycle. In view of the existing problems in the current study, future research prospects are proposed in terms of deepening the molecular mechanism research of algal response, strength-ening the construction of the turbulence research system, and coupling the physiological processes of algae and the physical structure of turbulence to improve the simulation accuracy, aiming at providing scientific basis and theoretical support for the study of algal behavior under changing hydrodynamic conditions, the formulation of algal bloom prevention and control countermeasures, and the evaluation of water ecosystem service functions.