Microbiology - The Unicellular Algae | Anatomy and Physiology

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Study GuideMicrobiology–The Unicellular Algae1.Divisions of Unicellular AlgaeUnicellular algae are microscopic organisms that usually exist assingle cells. Because of their smallsize and simple structure, several groups of unicellular algae are studied inmicrobiology.All unicellular algae discussed here are placed in thekingdom Protista. Five major divisions arecommonly considered.1.1Division Chlorophyta–Green AlgaeMembers of the divisionChlorophytaare known asgreen algae.•They containgreen chlorophyll pigments•They also havecarotenoid pigments•These pigments help them performphotosynthesisA well-known example isChlamydomonas, which is widely used in laboratories and research.•Chlamydomonas produceszoospores•Zoospores aremotile spores with flagellaScientists believe organisms like Chlamydomonas may beevolutionary ancestorsof more complexlife forms.Other members of this division include:•Volvox•Spirogyra1.2Division Charophyta–StonewortsMembers of the divisionCharophytaare commonly calledstoneworts.•They grow on thebottoms of ponds•Over time, they can contribute to the formation oflimestoneAlthough they are algae, stoneworts resemble higher plants in some structural features.

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Study Guide1.3Division Euglenophyta–EuglenoidsThe divisionEuglenophytaincludes organisms such asEuglena.These organisms are interesting because they share features ofboth plants and animals:•Like plants, they containchlorophyll and carotenoid pigmentsfor photosynthesis•Like animals, they useflagella for movementBecause of this combination of traits, euglenoids are considered an importantevolutionary link.Structure and Reproduction of Euglena•A typical Euglena cell has:oAlarge nucleus and nucleolusoContractile vacuolesto remove excess wateroTwo flagellaarising from one end of the cell•Reproduction occurs bybinary fission•Division takes place in thelongitudinal plane1.4Division Chrysophyta–Golden-Brown AlgaeMembers of the divisionChrysophytaincludebrown and yellow-green algae.•They containchlorophyll•They also have special carotenoid pigments calledfucoxanthins•Fucoxanthins give these algae theirgolden-brown colorA very important group in this division is thediatoms.Importance of Diatoms•Diatoms areoceanic photosynthetic algae•They form thebase of many aquatic food chains•They producelarge amounts of oxygen•They convertsunlight into carbohydrates, making energy available to other organismsBecause of these roles, diatoms are among themost important organisms on Earth.

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