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Plant-like Protists

Plant-like Protists. Biology 112. Characteristics of Plant-like Protists. Commonly referred to as algae All undergo photosynthesis Many contain the green pigment chlorophyll Others contain accessory pigments that absorb additional wavelengths of light Many are able to move freely

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Plant-like Protists

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  1. Plant-like Protists Biology 112

  2. Characteristics of Plant-like Protists • Commonly referred to as algae • All undergo photosynthesis • Many contain the green pigment chlorophyll • Others contain accessory pigments that absorb additional wavelengths of light • Many are able to move freely • They are both unicellular and multicellular • May reproduce asexually and/or sexually

  3. Unicellular Algae - Euglenophytes • Closely related to the flagellates • They contain flagella but no cell wall • Contain chloroplasts • An eyespot is present to detect sunlight and power photosynthesis • They also live as heterotrophs when light is not available • Their cell membrane is called a pellicle

  4. Euglenophytes

  5. Unicellular Algae- Chrysophytes • Yellow-green and golden-brown algae • Have a yellow appearance due to their gold-coloured chloroplasts • Most are solitary but some colonize

  6. Unicellular Algae – Diatoms • Their cell walls are composed of silicon – the main component of glass

  7. Unicellular Algae - Dinoflagellates • Half are photosynthetic, other half are heterotrophs • Many are luminescent, contain flagella

  8. The Ecology of Unicellular Algae • They are the basis of many food chains • Make up a large component of phytoplankton – small photosynthetic organisms found near the surface of the ocean • A large problem may be an overpopulation of algae in areas where sewage is discharged – algal blooms • Rob the water of oxygen

  9. Multicellular Algae – Red Algae • Very good at harvesting light energy • In addition to chlorophyll, also contain phycobilins (reddish pigments) • Help in the formation of coral reefs • Diverse habitats

  10. Multicellular Algae – Brown Algae • Contain chlorophyll and the brown pigment, fucoxanthan • Largest and most complex of all algae • Most are marine • Ex. Giant kelp, rockweed

  11. Unicellular/Multicellular Algae – Green Algae • Very closely related to plants • Contain the same chlorophyll and cell wall composition • Many exist as single cells but some live in colonies, others are multicellular

  12. Practical Uses of Algae • Brown algae is the home to many species • Produce much of the Earth’s oxygen through photosynthesis • Rich in vitamin C and iron • Found in many medicines • Heavily used in the food industry • Manufactured into plastics, thickeners, artificial materials, deodorants, etc.

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