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Questions and Answers
Which method of reproduction involves the fusion of two gametes that are dissimilar in size?
Which method of reproduction involves the fusion of two gametes that are dissimilar in size?
- Anisogamous reproduction (correct)
- Isogamous reproduction
- Oogamous reproduction
- Vegetative reproduction
Which type of algae form massive plant bodies in marine environments?
Which type of algae form massive plant bodies in marine environments?
- Volvox
- Spirogyra
- Kelps (correct)
- Ulothrix
What is the most common type of spore produced during asexual reproduction in algae?
What is the most common type of spore produced during asexual reproduction in algae?
- Gametes
- Colonies
- Zoospores (correct)
- Thalli
In what way do algae contribute significantly to the environment?
In what way do algae contribute significantly to the environment?
Which organism forms an association with algae to create lichen?
Which organism forms an association with algae to create lichen?
What type of organisms are algae in terms of their feeding autonomy?
What type of organisms are algae in terms of their feeding autonomy?
Why are marine algae considered of paramount importance in aquatic ecosystems?
Why are marine algae considered of paramount importance in aquatic ecosystems?
Which algae is known for producing hydrocolloids like algin and carrageen used commercially?
Which algae is known for producing hydrocolloids like algin and carrageen used commercially?
What commercial product is obtained from Gelidium and Gracilaria algae for various purposes including in ice-creams?
What commercial product is obtained from Gelidium and Gracilaria algae for various purposes including in ice-creams?
Which class do marine algae like Porphyra, Laminaria, and Sargassum belong to?
Which class do marine algae like Porphyra, Laminaria, and Sargassum belong to?
What is the role of Chlorella in space travel according to the text?
What is the role of Chlorella in space travel according to the text?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Algae
- Algae are chlorophyll-bearing, simple, thalloid, autotrophic and largely aquatic organisms
- They occur in a variety of habitats, including freshwater, marine, moist stones, soils, and wood
- Algae can be found in association with fungi (lichen) and animals (e.g., on sloth bears)
Structure and Size
- The form and size of algae are highly variable
- Colonial forms include Volvox, while filamentous forms include Ulothrix and Spirogyra
- Some marine forms, such as kelps, form massive plant bodies
Reproduction
- Algae reproduce by vegetative, asexual, and sexual methods
- Vegetative reproduction occurs through fragmentation, with each fragment developing into a thallus
- Asexual reproduction involves the production of spores, such as zoospores, which are flagellated and motile
- Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of two gametes, which can be isogamous, anisogamous, or oogamous
Importance of Algae
- Algae are responsible for at least half of the total carbon dioxide fixation on earth through photosynthesis
- They increase the level of dissolved oxygen in their immediate environment
- Algae are primary producers of energy-rich compounds, forming the basis of aquatic food cycles
- Many species of algae are used as food, with 70 species of marine algae being consumed
- Certain algae produce hydrocolloids, such as algin and carrageen, which are used commercially
- Agar, obtained from Gelidium and Gracilaria, is used to grow microbes and in food products
- Chlorella, a unicellular alga, is used as a food supplement and is rich in proteins
Classification
- Algae are divided into three main classes: Chlorophyceae, Phaeophyceae, and Rhodophyceae
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