Algae Quiz: Volvox and Fucus

Volvox

• Common name is Green Alga; scientifically classified as Volvox globator.
• Belongs to Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Chlorophyta, Class Chlorophyceae.
• Autotrophic; capable of producing food via photosynthesis.
• Asexually reproduces by cell division, forming daughter colonies; also reproduces sexually through oogamy and zygospore formation.
• Unique features include spherical shape with two flagella and a red eyespot for light detection.
• Found in freshwater bodies like lakes and pools.

Fucus

• Known as Rockweed or Brown Algae; classified as Fucus vesiculosus.
• Falls under Kingdom Chromista, Phylum Phaeophyta, Class Phaeophyceae.
• Autotrophic; produces its own food through photosynthesis.
• Lacks classical plant structures; acquires minerals directly from water through holdfasts, stripes, and blades.
• Reproduces sexually with multicellular organs for male (antheridia) and female (oogonia) gametes in conceptacles.
• Grows up to 35 inches in length and serves as a nutritional supplement.

Euglena

• Commonly referred to as Euglena, scientifically named Euglena gracilis.
• Part of Kingdom Excavata, Phylum Euglenida, Class Euglenoids.
• Mixotrophic; can consume food and perform photosynthesis.
• Utilizes phagocytosis to digest food within a food vacuole.
• Reproduces asexually via cell division, with waste removed through a contractile vacuole.
• Notable for its flexible pellicle and eyespot for sunlight detection; movement is facilitated by flagella.

Amoeba

• Common name is Amoeba; scientifically identified as Acanthamoeba polyphaga.
• Located in Kingdom Protista, Phylum Rhizopoda, Class Tubulinea.
• Heterotrophic; consumes food through phagocytosis and intracellular digestion in a vacuole.
• Exhibits an open circulatory system; waste removal via a contractile vacuole.
• Reproduces asexually through mitosis.
• Unique characteristics include shape-shifting via pseudopods and two types of cytoplasm: endoplasm (dark interior for food consumption) and ectoplasm (clear exterior for water absorption).

Paramecium

• Referred to as paramecium; scientifically classified as Paramecium caudatum.
• Part of Kingdom Protista, Phylum Ciliophora, Class Oligohymenophorea.
• Heterotrophic; requires food acquisition through ingestion.
• Features an open circulatory system; waste expelled through an anal pore.
• Reproduces both sexually through conjugation and asexually via binary fission.
• Notable for being the most complex single-celled organism, with two nuclei: a macronucleus (controls general functions) and a micronucleus (controls reproduction).

Vorticella

• Common name is Vorticella; scientifically identified as Vorticella campanula.
• Further information on classification, reproduction, and characteristics is necessary for a complete overview.