This week I will be giving a more in depth description of the plant/bacteria known as algae. Algae are protists and eukaryotic, any cell that contains a nucleus, organisms that have plant-like characteristics. These include its ability to photosynthesize yet it lacks roots, a stem, and leaves. Algae can also be a bacteria that grows on habitats and makes it hard for other plants and animals that live there because it feeds on the carbon rich materials in that environment. Algae differ in their average size as they range from a single cell to a large multi-celled mass. They are also versatile when it comes to habitat as they can thrive in freshwater, salt water, wet soil, or on most moist rocks and surfaces. There are many different representative species of algae including the seven major types; Euglenophyta (Euglenoids), Chrysophyta (Golden-brown algae and Diatoms), Pyrrophyta (Fire algae), Chlorophyta (Green algae), Rhodophyta (Red algae), Phaeophyta (Brown algae), and Xanthophyta (Yellow-green algae). These seven representative species are each defined by their own set of characteristics including size, habitat, color, reproduction method, etc. Euglenoids are
protists that split between autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. An autotroph is an organism that produces its own food through processes such as photosynthesis. A heterotroph is an organism that obtains its fuel from other complex organic substances. The autotrophic species contain chloroplasts, are capable of photosynthesis, and lack a cell wall. The heterotrophic species feed on carbon rich materials as well as other uni-celled organisms. Golden-brown algae and Diatoms are the most common
species of singular celled algae and the latter species consist of many types of
plankton. Golden brown algae, while rivaled in population size, holds the higher rate of production and are often referred to as
nanoplankton. Fire algae are also unicellular organisms that divide into two classes: dinoflagellates and cryptomonads. Both subspecies are harmful and produce neurotoxins that can disrupt muscle function. They are bioluminescent and contribute to the phenomenon known as “red tide.” This is when fire algae is in such abundance that the surrounding area turns red or a dark brown. Green algae primarily abides in freshwater environments and consists of unicellular
and multicellular organisms. The singular celled species undergo photosynthesis and contain chloroplasts while the multi celled organisms group in colonies that can range from a few to several thousand cells. The reproduction methods include the release of non-mobile aplanospores that rely on currents for movement. The release of zoospores that use a flagellum to move to a more suitable environment is the other common way of reproduction for Green algae. Red algae prefer marine
locations and are unlike the other species as they lack a flagella and centrioles. They reproduce asexually with the release of mono spores that are carried by the current but also sexually. They undergo alternation depending on the generation and red algae comprises most seaweed types. Brown algae are the largest species of algae with different organisms reaching 100
meters in length. They have a multitude of different tissues including a stalk, anchoring organ, pockets for buoyancy, and reproductive organs that release spores and gametes. Yellow-green algae are primarily
found in freshwater and wet soil environments. They are unicellular organisms where the cell wall is composed of cellulose and silica and they use flagella for locomotion. For my project I will be focusing on a different species of algae known as blue green algae or cyanobacteria. Alluded to by the name, cyanobacteria is similar to bacteria but is capable of photosynthesis. They are prokaryotic, do not contain a nucleus, and are thought to be the earliest form of life. Cyanobacteria is detrimental to ecosystems as it is an invasive species that deprives its area of carbon rich materials and other nutrients. I hope to spread awareness and hopefully in state the process of removing this invasive species from different ecosystems in our area. Thank you so much for reading my Week 3 upload and I hope to work with you all soon!
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