Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of algae classification. They form a part of the eukaryotic domain, which means they have cells with organelles, or cell materials that serve a specific function, as opposed to simple-structured cells characteristic of the prokaryotic domain. Eukaryotic cells contain nuclei, whereas prokaryotic cells do not.
Examine the subdivisions of the eukaryotic doman. Most algae fit into the sub-category of protists, all of which have different properties and do not have enough specific characteristics to fit into separate subdivisions, or possess characteristics of multiple subdivisions. For example, some algae can perform both photosynthesis and phagocytosis. Photosynthesis is a quality of plant life, while phagocytosis is a quality of animal life.
List the characteristics that all types of algae have in common. All aglae have the ability to perform photosynthesis, and therefore have chlorophyll within their cells. The chlorophyll pigment most common to all types of algae is chlorophyll A. Algae typically reside within water.
Analyze the properties of the chlorophyta, a division of algal protists which contain the chlorophyll B pigment. Examples of the chlorophyta include are the chlamydomonas, closterium, spirogyra, ulva and volvox. Chlamydomonas contain a single cell, two flagella and one eyespot. Closterium are not colonial and possess pyrenoids, or starch storage organelles, in their chloroplasts. Spirogyra are colonial and possess pyrenoids in their chloroplasts. The ulva is a multicellular algae. The volvox is a colonial algae that has two flagella per cell.
Analyze the properties of the dinoflagellates. Dinoflagellates comprise a sub-division of algal protists that congregate in large groups. They appear as red patches on the surface of bodies of water. They use a flagellum for mobility and can produce a toxin that prevents muscles from functioning properly.
Learn the characteristics of the euglenophyta division. Euglenophyta have a flagellum and an eyespot. The eyespot helps them to sense light and the flagellum helps them to move. When the euglenophyta sense light, they perform photosynthesis. When light is not present, they can perform phagocytosis.
Evaluate the properties of the phaeophyta division. Phaeophyta are multicellular brown algae.
Examine the characteristics of the rodophyta division. Rodophyta are red algae and multicellular.
Learn which algae exist outside the protist kingdom. Diatoms, for example, comprise part of the chromalveolata kingdom. They have chloroplasts that are yellow in color, and they are unicellular. Diatoms come in various shapes. Cylindrical diatoms are called centric, while pen-shaped diatoms are known as pennate.
Learn which domain contains organisms callled algae that are not actually algae. Blue green algae are actually part of the bacteria kingdom. They are prokaryotic and take the name algae because they reside in water and can perform photosynthesis.