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Golden Algae. A Plant-like Protist Jacob Meyer. Classification. Kingdom: Chromista Phylum: Heterokontophyta Class: Chrysophyceae Scientific Name: Dinobryon Sertularia Common Name: Golden Algae. Commonalities to Phylum. Golden algae share the following traits with all other heterokonts:
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Golden Algae A Plant-like Protist Jacob Meyer
Classification • Kingdom: Chromista • Phylum: Heterokontophyta • Class: Chrysophyceae • Scientific Name: Dinobryon Sertularia • Common Name: Golden Algae
Commonalities to Phylum • Golden algae share the following traits with all other heterokonts: • The cells have a chloroplast ER. Chloroplasts are not only protected by a double membrane, but are also protected by a fold in the endoplasmic reticulum. • Some have radial symmetry, while others are asymmetrical. • It is acoelomate, as it does not have a body cavity. • Golden algae is a free-living, aquatic producer. • Golden algae does not display any cephalization.
Breeding/Life Cycle • While golden algae can reproduce both sexually and asexually, it generally reproduces asexually. • The algae can potentially live indefinitely if external forces do not prevent it from doing so. • It is an r-strategist, and therefore the number of offspring is unpredictable. • It usually uses autogamy, fertilizing its own spores.
Habitat/Niche • Golden algae is usually found in fresh water and are found all over the world. • Golden algae is usually an autotroph, receiving energy from the sun, but can also consume small organisms such as bacteria.
Interesting Behavior/Characteristics • In low-lit areas, golden algae can “shut off” its chromosomes and become a heterotroph. • Some golden algae have two flagella while others have one. • Golden algae gets its name because of the olive-green tint that comes from the pigment fucoxanthin.
Roles in the Ecosystem • Good: Serves as a food source for the zooplankton which indirectly supplies food to every other organism. • Bad: Can be an invasive species. Releases a unique toxin that kills gill-breathing organisms. • (Anti)Conservation- Project Golden Algae’s goal is to monitor and prevent these toxic blooms.
Works Cited • "Algae Description and Types." Lenntech. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.lenntech.com/eutrophication- water-bodies/algae.htm>."Golden Algae Project.” • Arizona Game and Fish Department. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/research-golden- algae.shtml>. • "The Protists." Users.rcn.com. 7 Mar. 2011. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/ BiologyPages/P/Protists.html>.