Algae

• The study of algae is called phycology(or algology), and a person who studies algae is called a phycologist(or algologist).
• a singular alga; is a diverse group of aquatic plants and protists with the ability to conduct photosynthesis are photosynthetic, eucaryotic organisms that, together with protozoa, are classified in the second kingdom (Protista) of the Five Kingdom System of classification
• algae and protozoa are referred to as protistsbecause they are in the kingdom Protista
• All algal cells consist of cytoplasm, a cell wall(usually), a cell membrane, a nucleus, plastids, ribosomes, mitochondria, and Golgi bodies. lacks true roots, stems, and leaves
• ALGAE Range in size from tiny, unicellular, microscopic organisms to large, multicellular, plantlike seaweeds. Thus, not all algae are microorganisms. May be arranged in colonies or strands. Produce their energy through photosynthesis. Most algal cell walls contain cellulose, a polysaccharide not found in other microorganisms. Algae are classified as green, golden (or golden brown), brown, or red
• Unicellular algae

  • Diatoms
  • Dinoflagellates
• Dinoflagellates


  Microscopic, unicellular, flagellated, often photosynthetic algae. They are also important members of the phytoplankton, producing much of the oxygen in our atmosphere and serving as links in food chains. Some dinoflagellates produce light which is referred to as fire algae
• Diatoms


  Tiny, are usually unicellular algae that live in both freshwater and seawater. Important members of the phytoplankton. Have silicon dioxide in their cell walls. Used to make diatomaceous earth
• GREEN ALGAE INCLUDES: desmids, Spirogyra, Chlamydomonas, Volvox, and Euglena all of which can be found in pond water
• Desmids: are unicellular algae, some of which resemble a microscopic banana

  
• Spirogyra: an example of a filamentous alga, often producing long green strands in pond water

  
• Chlamydomonas: a unicellular, biflagellated alga, containing 1 chloroplast and a stigma

  
• Volvox: a colonial alga or colony (multicellular alga), consisting of as many as 60,000interconnected, biflagellated cells, arranged to form a hollow sphere its colony move through the water in a rolling motion – because the flagella beat in a coordinated manner Note: SOMETIMES, daughter colonies can be seen within a Volvox colony

  
• Euglena: possessed by both algae and protozoa contains chloroplasts, is photosynthetic, and stores energy (starch)Protozoan Features: include the presence of a primitive mouth(cytostome) and the absence of a cell wall (no cellulose)it possesses a photo sensing organelle (stigma) and a single flagellum. Stigma - it can sense light. Flagellum - it can swim into the light Note: when there is no light, it can continue to obtain nutrients by ingesting food through its cytostome it does possess a pellicle - which serves the same function as a cell wall—protection

  
• CHARACTERISTICS OF ALGAE 1. Bacillariophyta(Diatoms) 2.Chlorophyta(Green Algae) 3.Chysophyta( Golden Algae) 4.Dinoflagellata 5. Euglenophyta 6.Phaeophyta (Brown Algae) 7.Rhodophyta(Red Algae)
• • Algae in different forms Large seaweeds, green scum on ponds, and microscopic forms in pond water. Algae, like Chlamydomonas, Euglena, and Volvox, have characteristics that cause taxonomic classification debates
• Algae serve various purposes such asbeing a source of food, iodine, minerals,etc.
• Agar, derived from red marine algae, is used in laboratory culture media as a solidifying agent
• Algae can also cause issues such as clogging filters and pipes in water systems when there is an abundance of nutrients present.
• ALGAE: are only a very rare cause of human infections. Protothecosis is an example of a human algal infection.
• PROTOTHECA

  • Lives in soil
  • Can enter wounds, especially those located on the feet
  • Produces a small subcutaneous lesion that can progress to a crusty, warty-looking lesion
• PROTOTHECA

  • If it enters the lymphatic system, it may cause a debilitating, sometimes fatal infection, especially in immunosuppressed individuals
• PROTOTHECA

  A genus of algae that is a very rare cause of human infections (causing a disease known as protothecosis)
• Phycotoxins


  Substances secreted by algae in several other genera that are poisonous to humans, fish, and other animals