B.Sc. Semester I Botany Unit III

Study Notes

Characteristics of Algae

Algae are primarily aquatic organisms capable of photosynthesis, using light energy to produce food.
They possess chlorophyll and other pigments, allowing them to harness sunlight.
Algae can exist as unicellular or multicellular organisms, with some forming complex structures.

Distinction Between Algae and Fungi

Algae are autotrophic, generating their own food through photosynthesis, while fungi are heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients by decomposing organic matter.
Algae have a simpler structure, lacking specialized tissues found in plants, whereas fungi possess a mycelial network for nutrient absorption.

Mode of Nutrition in Algae

Predominantly autotrophic, utilizing photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Some algae can adopt mixotrophic feeding, combining photosynthesis and absorption of organic nutrients.

Excluded Algal Forms

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are often excluded from definitions of true algae due to their prokaryotic nature.
Other entities like certain unicellular organisms and some seaweeds may not always fit criteria established by specific authorities.

Characteristic Feature of Algal Plant Body

Known as thallus, the algal body lacks true roots, stems, and leaves, and can take various forms including filamentous, sheet-like, or branched structures.

Description

Test your knowledge about the range of thallus structure in algae with this quiz. The quiz covers the characteristics and classification of algae, including their plant body structure and their placement in the division thallophyta.