See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/263577250

Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology by Barsanti, L. & Gualtieri,

P.

Article  in  Journal of Phycology · April 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2007.00335.x

CITATIONS READS

4 5,526

1 author:

John D. Wehr
Fordham University
81 PUBLICATIONS   2,927 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Using aquatic plants to monitor water quality View project

Freshwater picoplanktonic algae View project

All content following this page was uploaded by John D. Wehr on 19 March 2018.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

J. Phycol. 43, 412–414 (2007)
r 2007 by the Phycological Society of America
DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2007.00335.x
BOOK REVIEW
Barsanti, L. & Gualtieri, P. 2006. Algae: Anatomy,
Biochemistry, and Biotechnology. CRC Press, Taylor
& Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL, USA, 301 pp.
US$119.95. ISBN: 0-8493-1467-4.
The appearance of a new textbook on the algae is
always cause for interest among phycologists. Writing a
text on this broad, polyphyletic group of organisms has
become a greater challenge with each passing year and
every new discovery of the genetic, physiological, an-
atomical, and ecological diversity that these organisms
comprise. Given that algae colonize virtually every
conceivable habitat on Earth and estimates of their
species richness on the planet have now grown to 107
taxa, it is perhaps no surprise that many authors have
found it necessary to limit their writing to specific
groups or for particular audiences. Fairly recent, ex-
cellent exceptions include the texts by Van den Hoek
and Jahns et al. (1995) and Graham and Wilcox (2000),
each of which has tackled the breadth of the field of
phycology and works well as a phycology textbook.
The latest effort to consider all groups of algae is the
new text by Barsanti and Gualtieri (2006). Their sub-
title, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, clearly in-
dicates that their strategy is to consider particular
topics, rather than cover many subjects superficially.
This emphasis becomes clear when reviewing the
seven chapters of this text: ‘‘General Overview,’’ ‘‘Anat-
omy,’’ ‘‘Photosynthesis,’’ ‘‘Biochemical Role of Algae,’’
‘‘Working with Light,’’ ‘‘Algal Culturing,’’ and ‘‘Algae
and Men.’’ The authors’ stated aim was to ‘‘highlight
those things that we have found interesting or illumin-
ating and to concentrate more on those areas, sacri-
ficing completeness in so doing’’ (Preface). It is indeed
a selective view of the algae, but one that reviews some
new and interesting topics. The book clearly reflects
the authors’ research interests, that of photoreceptors
in microalgae, their pigments, ultrastructure, and role
in motility.
The introductory chapter summarizes the authors’
definition and classification of algae, and how they dif-
fer from higher plants. We are told that the answer to
this latter, thorny question is ‘‘quite easy,’’ but what
follows is a roundabout and somewhat confusing com-
parison, one that might have been better completed in
a simple table. The chapter then compares algal hab-
itats, morphologies, nutrition, reproduction, pigments,
and evolutionary origins. These topics are covered ad-
equately, although their classification scheme seems to
blend both recent (e.g., Chlorarachniophyta) and
older (e.g., Cyanophyta) notions of what qualifies as a
412
division. Some of the characteristics listed are dubious
(e.g., Table 1.4: chl b as a major pigment of the dino-
flagellates), while terminology at times is contrary to
what is typically used in the literature (e.g., coccoid is
used to mean simple unicells, regardless of shape). Ta-
ble 1.2 compares the habitats of algae by division but
misses some categories—no freshwater prochlorophytes
(Prochlorothrix is one example) and no cryptophytes
from soil are recorded, when they have been report-
ed in several floras. Figures, both line drawings and
photos, are provided to illustrate examples of each
group. The line drawings lack scale bars and labels for
most cellular or subcellular features. These omissions
are an important weakness in this and subsequent
chapters. The authors acknowledge that algal species
span several orders of magnitude in size, yet there are
many figures that ignore this issue and may lead to
confusion. For instance, a portion of a branch of the
cyanobacterium Stigonema ocellatum ( 50 mm) is drawn
to equal the size of the thallus of red alga Palamaria
palmata (500 mm). In addition, some of the photo-
graphic images represent their groups poorly (e.g.,
marine and freshwater diatoms).
The second chapter is in great contrast to the first,
not only in length (100 vs. 34 pp.) but also in detail,
organization, and enthusiasm for the topic. Here the
authors outline the salient features of cell structure,
while linking the various topics and concepts into a
very informative essay. The chapter begins by compar-
ing basic cell types and then embarks on an extensive
and interesting review of flagella and associated struc-
tures. Much can be learned from their elegant descrip-
tions of the structures and how these enable algal cells
to transport themselves through water. Interestingly,
this is one chapter in which figures are provided with
labels of specific features. The structure, physiology,
and function of photoreceptors are next given careful
attention. This is well summarized and leads nicely into
consideration of the chloroplasts of algae. The chapter
gives considerably less attention (and few explanatory
figures) to other organelles and subcellular structures.
The third chapter broadly summarizes many of the
components and processes of photosynthesis, begin-
ning with a review of concepts concerning solar radi-
ation, the electromagnetic spectrum, Beer’s law, and so
on; this was probably unnecessary, given its usual place
in general biology textbooks. The authors provide a
good overview of PSI and PSII, their biochemistry and
anatomy as it pertains to algal cells, and different pig-
ment complexes and absorption spectra. I doubt the
need for essays arguing the importance of RUBISCO
and the Calvin cycle, when these are topics better cov-
ered in plant physiology texts. An overview of the or-
igins and purpose of photorespiration was interesting,
 BOOK REVIEW
but several broad claims (e.g., ‘‘25% of the carbon in
phosphoglycolate is lost as CO2’’ [p. 155]) would have
been greatly improved with the inclusion of literature
citations and a qualification of the conditions and spe-
cies to which the claims apply. In addition, some con-
sideration of the ecological implications of this process
would have been expected, as it profoundly affects not
only phytoplankton, but also intertidal seaweeds at low
tide.
The fourth chapter addresses biogeochemical roles
of algae. Topics include limiting nutrients, Michaelis–
Menten principles, and nutrient (P, N, Si, S, C) cycles.
While covered adequately, a few diagrams would have
clarified the explanations. Several overly broad state-
ments (e.g., ‘‘All phytoplankton growth removes CO2
into organic matter and reduces atmospheric CO2’’
[p. 177] or ‘‘requirement for silicon for the construc-
tion of diatom frustule [sic] makes this group uniquely
subject to silicate limitation’’ [p. 162]) and errors mar
this section. The process of eutrophication and the
Redfield ratio are improperly explained, while claims
that the P cycle is the same in aquatic and terrestrial
systems is incorrect (p. 162). The N cycle is given better
treatment, although little mention is made of the role
of humans in these cycles. The importance of N limi-
tation of marine phytoplankton production is empha-
sized, yet no mention is made of Fe limitation in these
processes. The S cycle and DMS production by algae is
summarized well.
Chapter 5, entitled ‘‘Working with Light,’’ came as
something of a surprise, given the consideration of
light in previous chapters. There are redundant topics
and a further discussion of physical aspects of light for
several pages, with only passing consideration of algal
processes. Many of the topics seem out of place here
and are better considered by other authors or in phys-
ics texts. Later, PAR measurement, P–E curves, and
photoacclimation in algae are briefly considered.
Chapter 6 introduces algal culture techniques, be-
ginning with collection methods, storage, and preser-
vation. Once again, it is unclear how this chapter offers
enough information, when other references and
guides exist (e.g., Andersen 2005). Nonetheless,
many phycology texts also cover this topic, so the ques-
tion is whether is serves its readers adequately. A table
outlining cellular features that are used to calculate
biovolume estimates of phytoplankton species is not
useful without the necessary formulas (see Wetzel and
Likens 2000). The authors discuss the important dis-
tinctions between defined and undefined media, as
well as unialgal and axenic cultures, and offer guidance
on isolation of cells from natural samples, although
mainly from planktonic habits. The rest of this chapter
is a brief summary of typical conditions used (light,
temperature, pH, etc.), culture methods, and counting
methods (nearly all for microalgal cultures), often with
good advice. But given the lack of citations in this
section, beginning students should be cautious in
413
adopting some of the recommendations, such as the
suggestion that the optimum pH range for most algal
species in culture is between 8.2 and 8.7. Little men-
tion is made of the use of pH buffers or the effect of
algal growth on pH or CO2 in the medium. Light con-
ditions are discussed but are presented in different
units (W
m 2 or mE
s 1
m 2) and with an overly
broad claim that constant illumination is suitable for
maintaining cultures of flagellates. Media suggestions
offer little advice as to why one should choose, for in-
stance, a nutrient-rich medium, such as Bold’s Basal,
rather than some others. Some important references
and lists of culture collections are provided, but with
no guidance as to which offer what information or algal
taxa.
The final chapter considers human uses of algae,
beginning with micro- and macroalgae as food. This
includes an interesting story behind the traditional
harvesting and use of Arthrospira by the people of
Chad. Some impressive statistics are also amassed to
document the variety of food items, nutritional value,
and annual harvests of marine macroalgae worldwide,
although units (Table 7.1) are lacking. Other commer-
cial uses in extracts, animal feed fertilizers, and cos-
metics are discussed. The chapter finishes with a
consideration of toxic marine and freshwater algae.
This issue is likely to gain importance, given the link
with coastal and freshwater eutrophication, which the
authors emphasize. Beneficial uses of freshwater algae
by humans, such as in assessing water quality or
climate change, are not discussed.
Did the authors succeed in providing a book that is
useful for students or professionals working on algae?
What exactly is their audience? Taken as whole, the
purpose of this book remains confusing. In many ways,
this collection reads like a series of disconnected re-
views, some of which are nicely written and cover their
subjects well, while other chapters leave the reader
wanting much more. I must return to the authors’ de-
cision to exclude citations from their text as a means of
attaining a smoother flow to their prose. What is
gained by this decision greatly weakens the usefulness
of the book, both as a reference and as a text for stu-
dents. For example, the authors state that ‘‘there are
approximately 1024 cyanobacterial cells in the oceans,’’
which is apparently greater ‘‘than all the stars in the
sky’’ (p. 16). This is a poetic but astonishing claim to
make without a few citations or at least some rough
calculations.
I wish I could recommend this book for its
strengths—one or two of the chapters would have
made excellent reviews or minireviews in a suitable
journal—but taken as a whole, this book is not a cohe-
sive treatment of the subject. Given that Algae: Anatomy,
Biochemistry, and Biotechnology is just over 300 pages in
length, and that the publisher has set the price at
US$119.95 it may be adopted by libraries but is a
questionable investment for individuals.
414 BOOK REVIEW

Andersen, R. A. [Ed.] 2005. Algal Culturing Techniques. Elsevier Aca- JOHN D. WEHR
demic Press, Burlington, MA, 578 pp.
Graham, L. E. & Wilcox, L. W. 2000. Algae. Prentice Hall, Upper Louis Calder Center–Biological Field Station and Depart-
Saddle River, NJ, 640 pp. ment of Biological Sciences
Van den Hoek, Mann D. G. & Jahns, H. M. 1995. Algae: An Intro-
duction to Phycology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, Fordham University
UK, 623 pp. Armonk, NY 10504, USA
Wetzel, R. G. & Likens, G. E. 2000. Limnological Analyses. 3rd ed.
Springer, New York, 429 pp.

View publication stats