BMSC210 CH5.3 Algae Flashcards
Why are algae included within the discipline of microbiology?
Algae are included within microbiology because they are autotrophic protists found in the supergroups Chromalveolata and Archaeplastida.
What are the unique characteristics of algae?
Algae are autotrophic protists that can be unicellular or multicellular.
How can algal organisms be classified according to major groups?
Algal organisms can be classified into the major groups Chromalveolata and Archaeplastida.
Why are algae important ecologically and environmentally?
Production of oxygen and organic matter
What percentage of oxygen and organic matter in aquatic environments do algae produce?
Approximately 70%
What are some uses of algae?
Source of agar, agarose, and carrageenan
Are algae pathogenic?
Typically not, but some produce toxins
What are harmful algal blooms?
Algae that grow quickly and produce toxins
What do pyrenoids in algal cells do?
Synthesize and store starch
What do the common names of red algae, brown algae, and green algae reflect?
Different pigments
Are cyanobacteria prokaryotes or eukaryotes?
Prokaryotes.
Which supergroups do algae belong to?
Chromalveolata and Archaeplastida
Are Euglenozoa considered algae?
No, because they feed and are motile
Which groups fall within the Chromalveolata?
Dinoflagellates, diatoms, golden algae, brown algae
