Algae by HandsomeDon 2014/02/19 18:15
The word algae represent a large group of different organisms from different phylogenetic groups, representing many taxonomic divisions. In general algae can be referred to as plant-like organisms that are usually photosynthetic and aquatic, but do not have true roots, stems, leaves, vascular tissue and have simple reproductive structures. They are distributed worldwide in the sea, in freshwater and in wastewater. Most are microscopic, but some are quite large, e.g. some marine seaweeds that can exceed 50 m in length.
The unicellular forms are known as microalgae where as the multicellular forms comprise macro algae
The word algae represent a large group of different organisms from different phylogenetic groups, representing many taxonomic divisions. In general algae can be referred to as plant-like organisms that are usually photosynthetic and aquatic, but do not have true roots, stems, leaves, vascular tissue and have simple reproductive structures. They are distributed worldwide in the sea, in freshwater and in wastewater. Most are microscopic, but some are quite large, e.g. some marine seaweeds that can exceed 50 m in length.
The unicellular forms are known as microalgae where as the multicellular forms comprise macro algae
HandsomeDon 2014/02/19 18:20
Microalgae comprise a vast group of photosynthetic, heterotrophic organisms which have an extraordinary potential for cultivationas energycrops. They can be cultivated under difficult agro-climatic conditions and are able to produce a wide range of commercially interesting byproducts such as fats, oils, sugars and functional bioactive compounds.
Microalgae comprise a vast group of photosynthetic, heterotrophic organisms which have an extraordinary potential for cultivationas energycrops. They can be cultivated under difficult agro-climatic conditions and are able to produce a wide range of commercially interesting byproducts such as fats, oils, sugars and functional bioactive compounds.
HandsomeDon 2014/02/19 18:23
Algae lack the various structures that characterize land plants, such as leaves, roots, and other organsthat are found in plants. Nearly all algae have photosynthetic machinery ultimately derived from the cyanobacteria, and so produce oxygenas a by-product of photosynthesis, unlike other photosynthetic bacteria such aspurpleandgreenbacteria. Some unicellular speciesrely entirely on external energy sources and have limited or no photosynthetic apparatus.
Algae lack the various structures that characterize land plants, such as leaves, roots, and other organsthat are found in plants. Nearly all algae have photosynthetic machinery ultimately derived from the cyanobacteria, and so produce oxygenas a by-product of photosynthesis, unlike other photosynthetic bacteria such aspurpleandgreenbacteria. Some unicellular speciesrely entirely on external energy sources and have limited or no photosynthetic apparatus.
HandsomeDon 2014/02/19 18:28
Algae are usually found in damp places or water, and are common on land as well as water. However, terrestrial algae are usually rather inconspicuous and are far more common in moist, tropical regionsthan dry ones. Algae lack vascular tissues and other adaptations to live on land, but they can endure dryness and other conditions in symbiosiswith a fungusas lichen.
The various sorts of algae play significant roles in aquatic ecology. Microscopic forms that live suspended in the water column are called phytoplankton. They provide the food base for most marine food chains. Kelp grows mostly in shallow marine waters. Some are used as human food or harvested for agaror fertilizer. Kelp can grow in large stands called kelp forests. These forests prevent some of the damage from waves. Many different specieslive in them, including sea urchins, sea otters, and abalone.
Some algae may harm other species. Some algae may reproduce a lot, and make an algal bloom. These algae may produce protective toxins which can kill fish in the water. Dinoflagellates secrete a compound that turns the flesh of fish into slime. The algae then consume this nutritious liquid.
Algae are usually found in damp places or water, and are common on land as well as water. However, terrestrial algae are usually rather inconspicuous and are far more common in moist, tropical regionsthan dry ones. Algae lack vascular tissues and other adaptations to live on land, but they can endure dryness and other conditions in symbiosiswith a fungusas lichen.
The various sorts of algae play significant roles in aquatic ecology. Microscopic forms that live suspended in the water column are called phytoplankton. They provide the food base for most marine food chains. Kelp grows mostly in shallow marine waters. Some are used as human food or harvested for agaror fertilizer. Kelp can grow in large stands called kelp forests. These forests prevent some of the damage from waves. Many different specieslive in them, including sea urchins, sea otters, and abalone.
Some algae may harm other species. Some algae may reproduce a lot, and make an algal bloom. These algae may produce protective toxins which can kill fish in the water. Dinoflagellates secrete a compound that turns the flesh of fish into slime. The algae then consume this nutritious liquid.
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