Algae present in the group Bacillariophyta (class Bacillariophyceae) are known as diatoms. They constitute a very large assemblage of unicellular algae. Diatoms differ from other algae due to their symmetrical structure and delicately designed cell walls. Thus, diatoms are considered…
The members of the Phaeophyta (class Phaeophyceae) are known as brown algae due to their characteristic brown colour. They exhibit a brown colour because of the presence of the golden brown pigment fucoxanthin. The plant body of brown algae is…
Algae found in the group Rhodophyta (class Rhodophyceae) are red in colour. So these are also known as red algae. The algae show red colour due to the presence of the red pigments r-phycocyanin and r-phycoerythrin. Characteristics of Rhodophyta Distribution…
Spirogyra is a free-floating, freshwater, filamentous green alga of the class Chlorophyceae. It is usually found in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, pools, ditches, etc. Spirogyra is also known as water silk or blanket weed, as its filament is…
Ulothrix is an unbranched filamentous green alga of the class Chlorophyceae. It is commonly found in freshwater ponds, pools, lakes, etc. The word Ulothrix means shaggy or curly hair (in Greek, oulos = shaggy or curly and thrix = hair).…
Anabaena is a planktonic blue-green alga of the class Cyanophyceae. It is often found in freshwater habitats. Anabaena is known for its nitrogen fixing abilities. Salient Features of Anabaena The salient features of Anabaena are as follows: Read also- Oscillatoria:…
Ectocarpus is a filamentous heterotrichous marine brown alga of the family Ectocarpaceae. It is the most primitive genus of brown algae. Due to the small mature thallus and relatively quick completion of the life cycle, Ectocarpus serves as a model…
Laminaria is a highly developed parenchymatous marine brown alga of the family Laminariales. It is mostly found in the northern Atlantic and northern Pacific Oceans. The species of Laminaria are popularly known as “Devil’s aprons” due to their shape. They…
Polysiphonia is a filamentous marine red alga of the family Rhodomelaceae. It is mainly found along the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The plant body of Polysiphonia remains attached to a rocky surface or other algae by rhizoids.…
Oscillatoria is a common genus of Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. It often occurs in freshwater habitats. Oscillatoria forms a thin, blue-green coating on the surface or edge of flowing water. Salient Features of Oscillatoria The salient features of Oscillatoria are…