Algae Flashcards
_____yote?
Eukaryote (contains membrane-bound nucleus and cellular components).
____troph?
Autotroph (produces own food using light aka photosynthesis).
pH requirements?
Neutrophile.
Temperature requirements?
Mesophile.
Carbon requirements?
Obtains Carbon through photosynthesis, CO2 concentration can limit rate of photosynthesis as algae absorbs CO2 from water.
Oxygen requirements?
Obligate aerobes (require oxygen).
Soil requirements?
Some algae can adapt to survive freezing and thawing conditions. When exposed to freezing, some algae enter a dormant state and metabolic processes slow down. Once thawed, they can reactivate and resume growth without loss of integrity and viability.
Algae can reproduce both sexually and asexually. How do they reproduce asexually?
Through binary fission - Cell will lose flagella and becomes non-motile before growing to its maximum size and duplicating its genetic material. Cell division occurs and produces daughter protoplasts, which then develop cell walls and flagella before being liberated from parental cell.
Algae can reproduce both sexually and asexually. How do they reproduce sexually?
Two motile cells act as gametes and fuse together, meiosis occurs and 4 new genetically varied cells are produced.
Algae structure?
Algae have a cellulose cell wall, and chloroplasts containing light absorbing pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs energy from sunlight. They have flagella for movement and an eyespot for light detection, and together they allow algae to orientate themselves towards the light.
Beneficial effects of Algae?
Algae transform CO2 into carbohydrates, providing an energy source for themselves and a food source for other aquatic food chains.
Detrimental effects of algae?
Direct - Desmodesmus armatus, causes chlorellosis (over growth of algae which can affect human by entry through wounds).
Indirect - Algal bloom, e.g. chlorella.
