Algae are defined as a group of predominantly aquatic, photosynthetic, and nucleus-bearing organisms that lack the true roots, stems, leaves, and specialized multicellular reproductive structures of plants.
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General character of Algae.pptx
1. GENERAL CHARACTER OF ALGAE
DR.M.JEEVITHA
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BOTANY,
POPE’S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS)
2. WHAT ARE ALGAE?
• Algae exist in environments ranging from oceans, rivers, and lakes to
ponds, brackish waters, and even snow.
• Algae are usually green, but they can be found in a variety of different
colours.
• For instance, algae living in snow contain carotenoid pigments in addition
to chlorophyll, hence giving the surrounding snow a distinctive red hue.
3. ALGAE DEFINITION
• Multicellular examples of algae include the giant kelp and brown algae.
Unicellular examples include diatoms, euglenophyta, and dinoflagellates.
• Most algae require a moist or watery environment; hence, they are ubiquitous
near or inside water bodies. Anatomically, they are similar to another major
group of photosynthetic organisms – the land plants.
• However, that is where the differences end as algae lack many structural
components typically present in plants, such as true stems, shoots, and leaves.
Furthermore, they also do not have vascular tissues to circulate essential
nutrients and water throughout their body.
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9. CHARACTERISTICS OF ALGAE
• Specific general characteristics of algae are common to plants as well as animals.
• For instance, algae can photosynthesize like plants, and they possess specialized structures
and cell-organelles, like centrioles and flagella, found only in animals. Listed below are some of the
general characteristics of algae.
• Algae are photosynthetic organisms
• Algae can be either unicellular or multicellular organisms
• Algae lack a well-defined body, so, structures like roots, stems or leaves are absent
• Algaes are found where there is adequate moisture.
• Reproduction in algae occurs in both asexual and sexual forms. Asexual reproduction occurs by
spore formation.
• Algae are free-living, although some can form a symbiotic relationship with other organisms.
