7 Major Types of Algae

7 MAJOR TYPES OF ALGAE
1. EUGLENOPHYTA
Euglena are fresh and salt water protists.

Like plant cells, some euglenoids are autotrophic.
They contain chloroplasts and are capable
of photosynthesis. They lack a cell wall, but
instead are covered by a protein-rich layer called
the pellicle. Like animal cells, other euglenoids
are heterotrophic and feed on carbon-rich
material found in the water and other unicellular
organisms. Some euglenoids can survive for
some time in darkness with suitable organic
material. Characteristics of photosynthetic euglenoidsinclude an eyespot, flagella,
and organelles (nucleus, chloroplasts, and vacuole).
Due to their photosynthetic capabilities, Euglena were classified along with algae in the
phylum Euglenophyta. Scientists now believe that these organisms have acquired this
ability due to endosymbiotic relationships with photosynthetic green algae. As such,
some scientists contend that Euglena should not be classified as algae and be classified
in the phylum Euglenozoa.
2. CHRYSOPHYTA - DIATOMS AND GOLDEN-BROWN ALGAE
Golden-brown algae and diatoms are the most

abundant types of unicellular algae, accounting
for around 100,000 different species. Both are
found in fresh and salt water environments.
Diatoms are much more common than golden-
brown algae and consist of many types of
plankton found in the ocean. Instead of a cell
wall, diatoms are encased by a silica shell,
known as a frustule, that varies in shape and
structure depending on the species. Golden-
brown algae, though fewer in number, rival the
productivity of diatoms in the ocean. They are usually known as nanoplankton,
with cells only 50 micrometers in diameter.
3. PYRROPHYTA - FIRE ALGAE
Fire algae are unicellular algae commonly found

in oceans and in some fresh water sources that
use flagella for motion. They are separated into
two classes: dinoflagellates and cryptomonads.
Dinoflagellates can cause a phenomenon known
as a red tide, in which the ocean appears red due
to their large abundance. Like some fungi, some
species of Pyrrophyta are bioluminescent.
During the night, they cause the ocean to appear
to be aflame. Dinoflagellates are also poisonous
in that they produce a neurotoxin that can disrupt proper muscle function in humans
and other organisms. Cryptomonads are similar to dinoflagellates and may also produce
harmful algal blooms, which cause the water to have a red or dark brown appearance.
4. CHLOROPHYTA - GREEN ALGAE
Green algae mostly abide in fresh water

environments, although a few species can be
found in the ocean. Like fire algae, green
algae also have cell walls made of cellulose,
and some species have one or two flagella.
Green algae contain chloroplasts and
undergo photosynthesis. There are
thousands of unicellular and multicellular
species of these algae. Multicellular species
usually group in colonies ranging in size
from four cells to several thousand cells. For
reproduction, some species produce non-motile aplanospores that rely on water
currents for transport, while others produce zoospores with one flagellum for swimming
to a more favorable environment. Types of green algae include sea lettuce, horsehair
algae, and dead man's fingers.
5. RHODOPHYTA - RED ALGAE
Red algae are commonly found in tropical

marine locations. Unlike other algae,
these eukaryotic
cells lack flagella and centrioles. Red algae
grow on solid surfaces including tropical
reefs or attached to other algae. Their cell
walls consist of cellulose and many different
types of carbohydrates. These
algae reproduce asexually by monospores
(walled, spherical cells without flagella) that
are carried by water currents until
germination. Red algae also reproduce sexually and undergo alternation of generations.
Red algae form a number of different seaweed types.
6. PAEOPHYTA - BROWN ALGAE
Brown algae are among the largest species

of algae, consisting of varieties of seaweed
and kelp found in marine environments.
These species have differentiated tissues,
including an anchoring organ, air pockets
for buoyancy, a stalk, photosynthetic
organs, and reproductive tissues that
produce spores and gametes. The life cycle
of these protists involves alternation of
generations. Some examples of brown algae
include sargassum weed, rockweed, and
giant kelp, which can reach up to 100 meters in length.
7.

7 Major Types of Algae

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

7 Major Types of Algae

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

7 Major Types of Algae

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

7 MAJOR TYPES OF ALGAE

Euglena are fresh and salt water protists.

2. CHRYSOPHYTA - DIATOMS AND GOLDEN-BROWN ALGAE

Golden-brown algae and diatoms are the most

3. PYRROPHYTA - FIRE ALGAE

Fire algae are unicellular algae commonly found

Green algae mostly abide in fresh water

5. RHODOPHYTA - RED ALGAE

Red algae are commonly found in tropical

6. PAEOPHYTA - BROWN ALGAE

Brown algae are among the largest species

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.