Algae

ALGAE

ALGAEEukaryotic organisms

Thallophytes- Roots = Rhizoids- Stem = Cauloid - Leaves = phyloid

Color of Algae stems from the pigment

AlgaeSimple organisms

Means of feeding:autotrophs

Cell Wall:- cellulose - murein: sugars + aminoacids (only found in algae and bacteria)

Division and multiplication

Nostoc

IMPORTANCE

Synthesize organic matter that is used as food by other organisms

During decomposition release toxins

Fix the nitrogen from the atmosphere

Red Algae (Rhodophyta)

- One of the oldest groups of eukaryotic algae- phycoerythrin – the red pigmenti- Iodine

Division and multiplication

- Around 5,000 species- Submerged in water- Absorb blue and green light – photosynthesis

Batrachospermum – freshwater

Importance

The 5 Kingdoms of living organisms

Brown Algae (Phaeophyta)

• Majority live in marine environments

• Fucoxanthin – pigment, masks chlorophyll

• Variety of shapes

• Size: up to 70 meters

• Around 1500 – 2000 species

Division and multiplication

Importance

Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)

• The most widespread algae

• Yellow to brown: chlorophyll, carotenoid fucoxanthin

• 100,000 species

• Live in fresh and salty waters, rocks, ice, etc.

Silica cell wall

Importance

Green Algae (Chlorophyta)

• 7,000 - 12,000 species

• Pigmentet: chlorophyll, carotene, xanthophyll

• Double-layer cell wall

• Autotroph; storage of starch

Live in fresh and salty waters as well as land (including deserts)

Symbiosis: Algae + Fungi = Lichens

Division and multiplication

Importance and Uses