Lee (1999) classified algae into four groups based on the structure of their chloroplasts. Group 1 contains cyanobacteria, which have prokaryotic cells. Group 2 algae have chloroplasts surrounded by two chloroplast envelope membranes. Group 3 algae have chloroplasts surrounded by a single membrane. Group 4 algae have chloroplasts surrounded by two membranes continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum. The document then discusses the taxonomic classification system used for algae and provides characteristic features of different algal groups.

1. Classification of algae by Lee
Sankrita Gaonkar
Assistant Professor in Botany
sankrita002@gmail.com

2. Contents
• Classification of algae
• Characteristic features of algal groups
• References

3. Classification of algae by Lee
(1999)
Divided into four groups:
1. Prokaryotes – cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotic algae.
2. Eukaryotic algae with chloroplasts surrounded by two membranes of
chloroplast envelope.
3. Eukaryotic algae with chloroplast surrounded by single membrane of
chloroplast.
4. Eukaryotic algae with chloroplast surrounded by two membranes of
chloroplast-endoplasmic reticulum (CER).

4. 2 membranes of chloroplast

5. Standard botanical classification system used in the systematics of algae:
• Phylum – phyta
• Class – phyceae
• Order – ales
• Family – aceae
• Genus
• Species

6. Characteristic features:
• Group 1:
• Cyanophyta (cyanobacteria) – chlorophyll a and phycobiliproteins.
• Group 2:
• i) Glaucophyta – represents an intermediate position in the evolution of
chloroplasts. Photosynthesis - by modified endosymbiotic cyanobacteria.
• ii) Rhodophyta (red algae) – chlorophyll a, phycobiliproteins.
• iii) Chlorophyta (green algae) – chlorophyll a & b
Cyanobacteria Glaucophyte with endosymbiont

7. Characteristic features:
• Group 3:
• i) Euglenophyta (euglenoids) – chlorophyll a & b
• ii) Dinophyta (dinoflagellates) – chlorophyll a & c1 – mesokaryotic nucleus
• Group 4:
• i) Cryptophyta (cryptophytes) – chlorophyll a & c, phycobiliproteins
• ii) Heterokontophyta (heterokonts) - chlorophyll a & c, fucoxanthin

8. References
• Lee RE. 2008. Phycology. 4th edition. Cambridge University
Press, UK.