Algae are simple aquatic plants that can be unicellular or multicellular. They are classified in the kingdom Protista and are divided into five main groups. Algae can be found in both marine and freshwater environments. They use photosynthesis to produce food and oxygen. Some key points about algae include: - They come in many forms including unicellular, colonial, filamentous, and multicellular bodies - Reproduction can occur sexually through gametes or asexually through fragmentation, spores, or binary fission - Algae range in size from microscopic to large seaweeds and serve important ecological roles as primary producers - Some species of algae have economic uses including