Algae | Definition, Characteristics, Classification, Examples, & Facts ...
2024年10月28日 · The study of algae is called phycology, and a person who studies algae is a phycologist. In this article the algae are defined as eukaryotic (nucleus-bearing) organisms that photosynthesize but lack the specialized multicellular reproductive structures of plants, which always contain fertile gamete -producing cells surrounded by sterile cells.
Phycology | Algae, Seaweed & Microscopy | Britannica
phycology, the study of algae, a large heterogeneous group of chiefly aquatic plants ranging in size from microscopic forms to species as large as shrubs or trees. The discipline is of immediate interest to humans because of algae’s importance in ecology.
Characteristics and importance of algae | Britannica
algae, Members of a group of mostly aquatic photosynthetic organisms (see photosynthesis) that defy precise definition. They range in size from the microscopic flagellate Micromonas to giant kelp that reach 200 ft (60 m) in length. Algae provide much of Earth’s oxygen, serve as the food base for almost all aquatic life, and provide foods and ...
Algae - Evolution, Paleontology, Photosynthesis | Britannica
2024年10月28日 · Algae - Evolution, Paleontology, Photosynthesis: Modern ultrastructural and molecular studies have provided important information that has led to a reassessment of the evolution of algae.
Algae - Phycology, Photosynthesis, Taxonomy | Britannica
2024年10月28日 · Early morphological research using electron microscopes demonstrated differences in features, such as the flagellar apparatus, cell division process, and organelle structure and function, that have been important in the classification of algae.
Algae - Photosynthesis, Diversity, Nutrition | Britannica
2024年10月28日 · Algae - Photosynthesis, Diversity, Nutrition: Algal cells are eukaryotic and contain three types of double-membrane-bound organelles: the nucleus, the chloroplast, and the mitochondrion. In most algal cells there is only a single nucleus, although some …
Algae - Photosynthesis, Diversity, Ecology | Britannica
2024年10月28日 · Algae are almost ubiquitous throughout the world and can be categorized ecologically by their habitats. Planktonic algae are microscopic and grow suspended in the water, whereas neustonic algae grow on the water surface and can be micro- or macroscopic.
Algae - Reproduction, Life Cycles, Adaptations | Britannica
2024年10月28日 · Many small algae reproduce asexually by ordinary cell division or by fragmentation, whereas larger algae reproduce by spores. Some red algae produce monospores (walled, nonflagellate, spherical cells) that are carried by water currents and upon germination produce a new organism.
Algae - Photosynthesis, Aquatic Ecosystems, Biomass | Britannica
2024年10月28日 · Algae - Photosynthesis, Aquatic Ecosystems, Biomass: Algae form organic food molecules from carbon dioxide and water through the process of photosynthesis, in which they capture energy from sunlight.
Microbiology - Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi | Britannica
2024年9月19日 · The major groups of microorganisms—namely bacteria, archaea, fungi (yeasts and molds), algae, protozoa, and viruses—are summarized below. Links to the more detailed articles on each of the major groups are provided.