21-07-2012, 11:53 AM
Algae Over view
Algae.ppt (Size: 2.13 MB / Downloads: 117)
Characteristics
Range in size from microscopic to single celled organisms to large seaweed
Autotrophic
Form the reproductive structures – gametangia or gamete chambers
Aquatic and have flagella at some point in life
Often contain pyrenoids, organelles that synthesis and store starch
CLASSIFICATION OF ALGAE
SEVEN PHYLUM BASED ON
COLOR
TYPE OF CHLOROPHYLL
FOOD-STORAGE SUBSTANCE
CELL WALL COMPOSITION
REPRODUCTION
MOST REPRODUCE BOTH SEXUALLY AND ASEXUALLY
Most sexual reproduction is triggered by environmental stress
Asexual Reproduction
Mitosis
Sexual Reproduction
Meiosis
Zoospores
Plus and minus gametes
Zygospore
Reproduction in Multicellular Algae
Oedogonium reproduction
Antheridium-release flagellated sperm that swim to the oogonium
Oogonium-houses the zygote which is a diploid spore
The spore undergoes meiosis and produces 4 haploid zoospores. One of the four cells becomes a rootlike holdfast the others divide and become a new filament.
Phylum Chlorophyta
Green algae
7000 diverse species
Biologist reason that green algae give rise to land plants.
Both green algae and land plants have chlorophyll a and B as well as carotenoids and store food as starch
Both have walls made of cellulose
Phylum Phaeophyta
1500 species of Brown algae
Mostly marine and include seaweed and kelp
All are multicellular and large (often reaching lengths of 147 feet)
Individual alga may grow to a length of 100m with a holdfast, stipe and blade
Used in cosmetics and most ice creams
Phylum Rhodophyta
4000 species of RED Algae
Most are marine
Smaller than brown algae and are often found at a depth of 200 meters.
Contain chlorophyll a and C as well as phycobilins which are important in absorbing light that can penetrate deep into the water
Have cells coated in carageenan which is used in cosmetics, gelatin capsules and some cheeses