Classification of algae

Classification of Algae

1. Classification of algae by Lee Sankrita Gaonkar Assistant Professor in Botany [email protected]

2. Contents Classification of algae Characteristic features of algal groups References

3. Classification of algae by Lee (1999) Divided into four groups: Prokaryotes – cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotic algae. Eukaryotic algae with chloroplasts surrounded by two membranes of chloroplast envelope. Eukaryotic algae with chloroplast surrounded by single membrane of chloroplast. Eukaryotic algae with chloroplast surrounded by two membranes of chloroplast-endoplasmic reticulum (CER).

4. 2 membranes of chloroplast

5. Standard botanical classification system used in the systematics of algae: Phylum – phyta Class – phyceae Order – ales Family – aceae Genus Species

6. Characteristic features: Group 1: Cyanophyta (cyanobacteria) – chlorophyll a and phycobiliproteins. Group 2: i ) Glaucophyta – represents an intermediate position in the evolution of chloroplasts. Photosynthesis - by modified endosymbiotic cyanobacteria . ii) Rhodophyta (red algae) – chlorophyll a, phycobiliproteins. iii) Chlorophyta (green algae) – chlorophyll a & b Cyanobacteria Glaucophyte with endosymbiont

7. Characteristic features: Group 3: i ) Euglenophyta (euglenoids) – chlorophyll a & b ii) Dinophyta (dinoflagellates) – chlorophyll a & c 1 – mesokaryotic nucleus Group 4: i ) Cryptophyta (cryptophytes) – chlorophyll a & c, phycobiliproteins ii) Heterokontophyta (heterokonts) - chlorophyll a & c, fucoxanthin

8. References Lee RE. 2008. Phycology. 4 th edition. Cambridge University Press, UK.