Algae 2 Flashcards
What type of organism are algae?
Algae are eukaryotic, unicellular organisms.
What is the nutritional mode of algae?
Algae are autotrophs, meaning they produce their own food through photosynthesis.
How do algae obtain oxygen?
Algae are obligate aerobes, meaning they require oxygen for survival.
What is the preferred pH of algae?
Algae are neutrophiles, meaning they prefer neutral pH environments.
What temperature do algae prefer?
Algae are mesophiles, meaning they thrive in room and body temperatures.
How do algae obtain carbon?
Algae obtain carbon through photosynthesis by absorbing CO2 from water.
How do algae survive freezing and thawing conditions?
Some algae can survive freezing by entering a dormant state, slowing metabolic processes. Once thawed, they can reactivate and resume growth without loss of integrity.
How do algae reproduce asexually?
Algae reproduce asexually via binary fission. The cell loses its flagella and becomes non-motile, grows to maximum size, duplicates its genetic material and divides into daughter protoplasts, which develop flagella and cell walls before being released.
How do algae reproduce sexually?
Algae reproduce sexually by the fusion of two motile gamete cells. Meiosis occurs, producing four genetically varied cells.
What is the structure of the cell wall in algae?
The cell wall of algae is made of cellulose.
What is the function of chloroplasts in algae?
Chloroplasts in algae contain chlorophyll, a light absorbing pigment that enables photosynthesis by absorbing energy from sunlight.
How do algae move?
Algae use flagella for movement.
What is the purpose of the eyespot in algae?
The eyespot in algae detects light, allowing the organism to orientate itself towards light sources when paired with flagella.
How do algae benefit the environment?
Algae transform CO2 into carbohydrates, providing energy for themselves and serving as a food source for aquatic food chains.
What are the detrimental effects of algae?
DIRECT: Desdodesmus armatus causes chlorellosis, an overgrowth of algae that can affect humans through wounds.
INDIRECT: Algal blooms, such as those caused by Chlorella, can disrupt ecosystems and water quality.
