Algae: Cladophora vs Chaetomorpha

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Contrast the methods of construction in Cladophora and Boodlea. How do their structural differences relate to their respective construction methods?

Cladophora utilizes apical cell division to form branching filaments, whereas Boodlea uses modified intercalary cell division resulting in a 3D branching structure.

Explain the significance of turgor pressure in the construction of Bryopsis, Caulerpa, and Codium. What challenges might these algae face in environments with fluctuating salinity?

Turgor pressure provides structural support. Fluctuating salinity could disrupt turgor pressure, leading to wilting or collapse.

Compare and contrast holocarpic and non-holocarpic reproduction, giving examples from the provided algae. Which strategy might be more advantageous in nutrient-poor environments and why?

Holocarpic reproduction (e.g., Caulerpa) involves the entire thallus converting into reproductive structures. Non-holocarpic reproduction (e.g., Codium) uses only parts of the thallus. Non-holocarpic reproduction might be better in nutrient-poor environments as it allows the alga to continue photosynthetic activity and survive.

Describe the process of exogenous segregative cell division as seen in Sipohonocladus and Valonia. How does this differ from the endogenous version seen in Dictyosphaeria?

In exogenous segregative cell division, new cells bud off from the exterior of the parent cell, whereas endogenous segregative cell division occurs inside the parent cell, with the new cells eventually being released. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how fragmentation contributes to the dispersal and colonization abilities of Caulerpa and Halimeda. What environmental factors might limit the success of this reproductive strategy?

Fragmentation allows new individuals to grow from broken pieces of the parent alga, aiding in dispersal and colonization. Factors like wave action, grazing, and unsuitable substrate can limit success. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast Gametic and Sporic meiosis. Which algae from the provided list uses Gametic Meiosis?

Gametic meiosis produces gametes directly, while sporic meiosis produces spores that then develop into gametophytes. Caulerpa, Codium, Halimeda, Avrainvillea, Bornetella, Neomeris, and Parvocaulis use Gametic meiosis. Signup and view all the answers

Some algae have unusual features such as calcification and gametangial rays. Which algae have these features, and what purpose does this feature serve the algae?

Neomeris has calcified gametangia and Parvocaulis has gametangial rays. Calcification may protect against grazing and provide structural support, while gametangial rays facilitate gamete release. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the table, which algae are siphonous, and what advantages might this structural organization confer?

Bryopsis, Caulerpa, Codium, Halimeda, and Avrainvillea are siphonous. This multinucleate structure allows for rapid transport of nutrients and signals throughout the entire organism. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes or change in the number of chromosomes. Offspring arise from a single organism.

Cladophora Features

Algae with branching filaments, apical construction, and sporic meiosis.

Chaetomorpha Features

Algae with unbranched filaments, intercalary construction and sporic meiosis, with large barrel shaped cells.