Red Algae / Biology/ Taxonomy/ Applications

Red Algae

1. VIVEKANANDHA ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, SANKAGIRI DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY RED ALGAE Presented by; V Hemapriya II Msc ., Microbiology VIAAS

2. CONTENT Introduction Morphology Structure of red algae Characteristics Why it is called red algae? Life cycle Examples of red algae Applications

3. The scientific name of red algae is “ Rhodophyta ” They belongs to the class of Rhodophyceae . It is one of the largest group of eukaryotic algae. It comprises one of the largest phyla of algae. Red algae is a distinctive type of species that are mostly found in deep freshwater body ( coral reef and tide pool) They have the ability to survive in depth of the ocean rather than the other algae Some examples; Palmaria , Delesseria , Chondrus , Coralline algae. INTRODUCTION

4. Cell structure: Lack of flagella and centrioles . Presence of spindle fibres , microtubules. Pit connections between cells filamentous genome. Absence of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum. Chloroplast: Due to the presence of water soluble pigments called phycobilins . The chloroplast is surrounded by double membrane of the chloroplast envelope. MORPHOLOGY

5. Structure of red algae

6. Algae are either unicellular or multicellular in nature. Found in moist places. Mode of reproduction can be sexual as well as asexual. Asexual reproduction occurs by spore formation. Sexual reproduction occurs by the physical contact of haploid gametes. Lacks a well-defined body. CHARACTERISTICS

7. Because of the predominance of the red pigment r- phycoerythin in their body. Apart from this, other major pigments found in them are chlorophyll a and chlorophyll d. Phycoerythrins are phycoblin pigments similar to those found in the cyanobacteria that found in the cyanobacteria that allow red algae to use blue- green wavelengths of light. Why it is called red algae?

8. Male gametophyte fertilizes female egg. Forms carpogonium which grows on the female. Spores are developed and are dispersed. Tetrasporophyte is formed. Tetrasporophyte releases tetra spores. Tetraspores are either male or female. Cycle repeats. LIFE CYCLE

9. Examples of red algae Red coralline algae Red hair algae Gracilaria parvispora

10. Rich in micro and macronutrients, humic acids, and phytohormones , it enhances soil. Farmed seaweed is also an ingredient in cosmetics, animal feed, and fertilizer. Seaweed farms absorb nutrients and carbon dioxide to grow. The farms can help improve water quality and buffer the effects of ocean acidification in surrounding areas. APPLICATIONS

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