Eukaryotic Algae: Division Chlorophyta

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Questions and Answers

Which pigment primarily gives red algae their characteristic color?

Phycocyanin

Carotenoids

Phycoerythrin (correct)

Chlorophyll

What type of starch is primarily accumulated in the cells of red algae during photosynthesis?

Floridean starch (correct)

Lucosaccharose

Glycogen

Amylose

What is the primary structure of the cell walls in diatoms made of?

Chitin

Silica (correct)

Calcium carbonate

Cellulose

Which characteristic is NOT associated with members of the Rhodophyta?

Presence of motile ciliate cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum known depth at which red algae can grow?

180m Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the reproductive method of red algae?

They exhibit both haploid and diploid stages Signup and view all the answers

What shape can red algae display?

Variety of forms including filamentous and ribbon-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of diatom reproduction?

By binary fission Signup and view all the answers

What distinctive feature do the cell walls of diatoms have?

They are made of two overlapping halves similar to a Petri dish. Signup and view all the answers

Where are diatoms commonly found?

In freshwater and marine environments, as well as in wet ground Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the chloroplasts in Chlorophyta?

They may contain pyrenoids surrounded by a starchy envelope. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the reproduction of Chlorophyta is accurate?

Asexual reproduction can occur through motile zoospores. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell organization is found in coenocytic Chlorophyta?

Cells with multiple nuclei and a single large chloroplast. Signup and view all the answers

What types of organisms do chlorophytes belong to based on their motility?

Both unicellular motile and non-motile forms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT typical of Chlorophyta?

Cell walls primarily composed of keratin. Signup and view all the answers

In many higher forms of Chlorophyta, where are flagella typically found?

Only on zoospores and zoogametes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of spore does NOT represent an asexual reproduction method in Chlorophyta?

Oogamete Signup and view all the answers

Which terms describe the modes of sexual reproduction in Chlorophyta?

Isogamy, anisogamy, and oogamy. Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature characterizes heterocysts in cyanophyta?

They specialize in nitrogen fixation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the reproductive method of cyanophyta?

They utilize fragmentation to form new organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What components make up the cell wall of cyanophytes?

Cellulose and pectic compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What are akinetes primarily responsible for in cyanophyta?

Surviving unfavorable conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the characteristics of Nostoc?

Nostoc can survive in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Anabaena from other cyanophytes?

It contains specialized cells for nitrogen fixation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the pigment composition in cyanophyta?

Cyanophyta contains chlorophyll and phycocyanin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the protoplast in cyanophytes?

It is differentiated into chromoplasm and central body. Signup and view all the answers

In regards to their habitat, where are cyanophytes most commonly found?

In freshwater and stagnant environments. Signup and view all the answers

What role do chromoplasmic zones have in cyanophytes?

Photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eukaryotic Algae Overview

Eukaryotic algae are classified into various divisions, including Chlorophyta (green algae), Cyanophyta (blue-green algae), Rhodophyta (red algae), and Bacillariophyta (diatoms).

Division Chlorophyta (Green Algae)

Presence of chlorophyll in plastids (chloroplasts).
Mostly freshwater species; some are terrestrial.
Forms can be unicellular, colonial (motile or non-motile), multicellular (thalloid or filamentous), or coenocytic.
Protoplast is organized with a definite nucleus and distinct chloroplasts, often containing pyrenoids.
Cell walls are composed of cellulose with pectose layers; some have gelatinous sheaths.
Motility in unicellular/colonial forms is facilitated by flagella or cilia, usually in pairs, occasionally in larger numbers.
Higher forms have flagella exclusive to reproductive structures (zoospores and zoogametes).
Reproduction methods include:
- Vegetative: cell division or fragmentation.
- Asexual: via motile zoospores, non-motile aplanospores, or akinetes.
- Sexual: can be isogamous, anisogamous, or oogamous, with some species being homothallic.

Division Cyanophyta (Blue-Green Algae)

Characterized by blue-green pigment phycocyanin and chlorophyll.
Primarily unicellular; some form chains or colonies.
Found in freshwater, often in stagnant water and wet ground.
Cell structure is primitive without a definite nucleus; protoplast has chromoplasm (peripheral colored zone) and a central body.
Cell walls made of cellulose and pectic compounds; starch absent, glycogen present.
Common vegetative reproduction methods include cell division, colony fragmentation, and hormogonia formation.
Lack sexual reproduction and ciliated bodies.
Resting spores (akinete) develop in some filamentous forms, and heterocysts are specialized for nitrogen fixation.

Division Rhodophyta (Red Algae)

Composed of specialized marine algae, widely distributed in temperate and tropical seas.
Found at various depths, with many species attached to rocky substrates.
Possess red pigment phycoerythrin, which masks chlorophyll, and some contain phycocyanin.
Forms can be filamentous, ribbon-shaped, or leaf-like; lengths range from a few centimeters to over a meter.
Accumulate floridean starch as a product of photosynthesis; motile reproductive cells and zoospores are absent.
Members may be haploid or alternate between haploid and diploid stages, as seen in Polysiphonia.

Division Bacillariophyta (Diatoms)

Known for their beautiful, unicellular forms; occasionally form filaments and colonies.
Widely distributed in freshwater and saltwater, as well as wet ground.
Form significant populations in oceans, notably as plankton.
Composed of silica with cell walls that consist of two overlapping halves (epitheca and hypotheca).
Fossil diatoms contribute to deposits of diatomaceous earth, essential for various industrial applications.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of Division Chlorophyta, or green algae, which are defined by their unique chlorophyll-containing plastids. This quiz covers their diverse forms, including unicellular, multicellular, and coenocytic structures, and their habitats, predominantly freshwater and some terrestrial. Test your understanding of these remarkable organisms!