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Dictionary » A » Algae

Algae

Definition

noun, singular: alga

A group of aquatic, photosynthetic, eukaryotic organisms ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms, and generally possess chlorophyll but lack true roots, stems and leaves characteristic of terrestrial plants.


Supplement

In five kingdom scheme of classification, the algae, together with the protozoa, belong to Kingdom Protista. They are distinct from the protozoa by being photosynthetic. The algae are further grouped into various phyla: Euglenophyta (euglenids), Chrysophyta (diatoms), Pyrrophyta (dinoflaggelates), Chlorophyta (green algae), Phaeophyta (brown algae), and Rhodophyta (red algae). The Cyanophyta or blue-green algae, which are prokaryotic organisms, are traditionally included in this group but in modern classification, they are now grouped together with bacteria under Kingdom Monera.


Word origin: Latin alga, meaning seaweed.
Related forms: algal (adjective)
Synonym: seaweed
Compare: blue-green algae.
See also: phycology, algaculture, diatom, kelp, laminaria, nori.


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the harm of algae

This is a very broad question, do you mean the harmful effects of harmful algae blooms, specific algae species e.g. pseudo-nitzschia produces a secondary metabolite called domoic acid which is a neurotoxin and bio accumulates in marine life causing respiratory ...

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by marineman
Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:28 pm
 
Forum: Botany Discussion
Topic: the harm of algae
Replies: 1
Views: 481

Rhodophycae, Secoundary metabolites effects on parasite load

I was thinking of doing my honors project on the effects of Rodophycae on parasites. But i am unsure which species of red algae to choose. Does anyone know which species (located in the uk- preferably in south west of England) which would produce secondary metabolites which would effect ...

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by marineman
Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:59 pm
 
Forum: Botany Discussion
Topic: Rhodophycae, Secoundary metabolites effects on parasite load
Replies: 0
Views: 52

Is evolution as simple as we think?

... very complex life forms and it did not drive the evolution towards oxygen-based life, unlike the oxygen-rich atmosphere created by the blue-green algae did later. That is why most of the early eukaryotes appeared only after the oxygenation of the atmosphere around 2 billion years ago and this ...

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by biohazard
Tue Nov 27, 2012 7:32 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Is evolution as simple as we think?
Replies: 11
Views: 2122

Is evolution as simple as we think?

... mutations. My question is why, if mutations are what cause these changes, there was no evolution of lifeforms for 2 billion years after blue-green algae appeared 2.6 billion years ago. Even if the physical environment was stable, would there not have been other factors such as competition that, ...

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by dayren
Tue Nov 27, 2012 12:02 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Is evolution as simple as we think?
Replies: 11
Views: 2122

Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic

... Eukaryotic organisms are divided into 4 kingdoms: the Protista (unicellular, both auto- and heterotrophic organisms; also multicellular algae are grouped in here), the plants, the fungi or mushrooms and the animals (including humans as well). Plant and algal cells have cell walls which ...

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by SteveYst
Wed Oct 03, 2012 1:39 pm
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic
Replies: 3
Views: 4436
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