Lesson 2: Algae

Pre-discussion
Millions of living things inhabit our planet, but did you know that they are divided into
five separate kingdoms?

Based on the box below, classify the following organisms based on their kingdom
classification.

KINGDOM OF ANIMALS D. KINGDOM OF

PROTIST
KINGDOM OF PLANTS E. KINGDOM OF

1. ________ 3.________

2. ________ 4. __________

5. ________

Guide Questions:

1. What organisms belong to Kingdom Protozoa?

2. How do Protist reproduce?
3. What are the difference between Kingdom Protist to Kingdom Fungi?
What to expect?

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

1. Determine the basic characteristics of algae;

2. Differentiate the taxonomic group of algae; and
3. Discuss the biological importance of algae.

Lesson Outline

Algae exist in environments ranging from

oceans, rivers, and lakes to ponds, brackish
waters and even snow. Algae are usually green,
but they can be found in a variety of different
colours. For instance, algae living in snow contain
https://www.flickr.com/photos/soilscience/
carotenoid pigments in addition to chlorophyll, 5084241721/
hence giving the surrounding snow a distinctive red
Figure 3.2.1. Algae in Pond.
hue (What are Algae, n.d.).

General Characteristic of Algae (2021):

Nutrition - Most algae are photoautotrophic and carry on photosynthesis.

Some forms, however, are chemoheterotrophic and obtain energy from
chemical reactions and nutrients from preformed organic matter. Most
species are saprobes, and some are parasites.

Cell Organization - Algae can be multicellular or unicellular. Unicellular algae

occur most frequently in water, especially in plankton. Phytoplankton is the
population of free‐floating microorganisms composed primarily of unicellular
algae.

Cell Types - Algae are eukaryotic organisms that have no roots, stems, or
leaves but do have chlorophyll and other pigments for carrying out
photosynthesis.

Reproduction - Reproduction in algae occurs in both asexual and sexual

forms. Asexual reproduction occurs through the fragmentation of colonial and
filamentous algae or by spore formation (as in fungi). Spore formation takes
 place by mitosis. Binary fission also takes place (as in bacteria). During
sexual reproduction, algae form differentiated sex cells that fuse to produce a
diploid zygote with two sets of chromosomes. The zygote develops into a
sexual spore, which germinates when conditions are favourable to reproduce
and reform the haploid organism having a single set of chromosomes. This
pattern of reproduction is called alternation of generations.

Phyla of Algae

The definition of phylum (plural: phyla) in Biology goes by “a taxonomic rank above
class and below kingdom” or “the assemblage of biological species on the basis of general
body plan”. Here are the different phyla/division of algae (Phylum, 2021).

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Classification-of-
algae-explained-in-a-simple-way_fig1_325710331

Figure 3.2.2. Divisions of Algae

1. Green Algae

It is a large, informal grouping of algae having the primary photosynthetic pigments

chlorophyll a and b, along with auxiliary pigments such as xanthophylls and beta carotene.
Higher organisms use green algae to conduct photosynthesis for them. Other species of
green algae have a symbiotic relationship with other organisms. Members are unicellular,
multicellular, colonial and flagellates (What are Algae, n.d.).
 Prominent examples of green algae include Spirogyra, Ulothrix, Volvox, etc.

Microscopeclarity.com https://eol.org/pages/10621

Figure 3.2.3. Spirogyra Figure 3.2.4. Ulothrix

2. Brown Algae
There are about 2000 species of brown algae (Phaeophyceae), and most are marine.
In general, brown algae are larger and more species are found in colder waters along
continental coasts. The brown colour of these algae results from the dominance of the
xanthophyll pigment fucoxanthin, which masks the other pigments, Chlorophyll a and c
(there is no Chlorophyll b), beta-carotene and other xanthophylls. Food reserves are typically
complex polysaccharides, sugars and higher alcohols. The principal carbohydrate reserve is
laminaran, and true starch is absent (compare with the green algae). The walls are made of
cellulose and alginic acid, a long-chained heteropolysaccharide (Phaeophyceae: Brown
Algae, n.d.).
Examples: Laminaria and Saccharina, Fucus, Sargassum muticum, brown seaweeds

https://marine.ucsc.edu/ https://www.dreamstime.com
target/target-species-
Figure 3.2.5. Fucus
fucus.html Figure 3.2.6. Laminaria

3. Pyrrophyta

The fire algae is a division of unicellular algae that has a yellow brown color, and has
two different flagella which are ribbon-shaped. Early botanists classified dinoflagellates as a
separate division of algae, which they named Pyrrophyta, after the Greek word ‘pyrr(h)os’
meaning fire (Shomrat & Dey, n.d.).

4. Chrysophyta (golden algae, golden-brown algae)

A division of predominantly unicellular algae (sometimes alternatively regarded as

protozoa, class Phytomastigophora) in which the chloroplasts contain large amounts of the
pigment fucoxanthin, giving the algae their brown colour. Most are flagellated, having one
flagellum of the tinsel type and a second flagellum of the whiplash type, which may be
reduced to a short stub. Cysts or resting spores are formed which are often characteristically
ornamented with spines, etc.; the cyst walls contain silica. Chrysophytes are found mainly in
freshwater habitats that are low in calcium. Genera include Chromulina, Mallomonas,
Ochromonas, and Synura (Chrysophyta, 2018).

5. Red Algae

Also called Rhodophyta, it is a distinctive species found in marine as well as

freshwater ecosystems. The pigments phycocyanin and phycoerythrin are responsible for
the characteristic red colouration of the algae. Other pigments that provide green colouration
(such as chlorophyll a) are present. However, they lack chlorophyll b or beta-carotene (What
are Algae, n.d).
 Exmaples of red algae are Rhodella, Compsopogon, Stylonema, Bangia, Porphyra,
Porphyridium cruentum, Hildenbrandia, Nemalion, Corallina officinalis, Ahnfeltia, Gelidium,
etc.

https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/differentiate-
https://depositphotos.com/ between-red-algae-and-brown-algae-class-11-biology-cbse-
399149528/stock-illustration- 5fb319b9de1c3232ee2932f2
porphyra-edible-seaweed-red-

Figure 3.2.7. Porphyra Figure 3.2.8. Various samples

6. Euglenophyta or Euglenoids of red algae

The species belonging to Euglenophyta, which are referred to as euglonophytes or

euglinids, are mostly tiny, single-celled eukaryotes and
make use of flagella for movement. Many of them are
photosynthetic because they have chloroplasts. Other
euglinids though feed on other organisms through
http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/04/
phagocytosis or by diffusion (Euglenophyta, 2021). euglenoids.html?m=1

Figure 3.2.9. Euglenoids

Biological Importance and Use of Algae

Marine organisms are potentially prolific sources of highly bioactive secondary

metabolites that might represent useful leads in the development of new pharmaceutical
agents (El Gamal, 2009).

Euglena has various powerful benefits, ranging from health, cosmetics to

sustainability. As a component in cosmetics and beauty products, Euglena helps to make
skin smoother, more elastic and radiant. It is able to photosynthesize, thus taking in carbon
dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere so that other organisms can survive
(Natalia, 2018).

Chrysophyta are of great importance as components of the plankton and

nanoplankton that form the foundation of the marine food chain (The Columbia
Encyclopedia, 2012).
 Pyrrophyta is responsible for red tide that can cause illnesses to human and marine
life. Dinoflagellate blooms are normally beneficial and contribute to aquatic production;
however, some of these blooms such as the red tides may be harmful to marine life including
fish. They may even cause death (Woo, 1994).

Chlorophyta because of their photosynthetic activity, made them one of the most
important producers in the ecosystem. They are a major source of starch and oxygen as a
byproduct of photosynthesis. They serve as food for many heterotrophs. Many of them form
symbiotic relationship with other groups of organisms (Chlorophyta, 2021).

Rhodophyta are ecologically significant as primary producers, providers of structural

habitat for other marine organisms. Their important role in the primary establishment and
maintenance of coral reefs. Red algae are economically important as providers of food
and gels (Red Algae, 2000).

Phaeophyta are an important part of the marine flora as they provide food, shelter,
spawning areas, and a substrate for numerous marine animals. Used for a variety of
conditions including cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, stress, weight loss, heart disease, high
cholesterol, and many other conditions (Brown Algae, 2021).

Summary

● In studying organisms, it is easy to group them based on their cell type, structure,

ability to make food, and the number of cells in their body. That is why they are
classify into domains and kingdom.

● Scientists classify organisms in the domain Eukarya into one of four kingdoms:

Protists, Fungi, Plants, or Animals. Kingdom Protists is where algae belonged to.

● Algae are a group of predominantly aquatic, photosynthetic, and nucleus-bearing

organisms that lack the true roots, stems, leaves, and specialized multicellular
reproductive structures of plants.

● It has 6 divisions: Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, Pyrrophyta, Chrysophyta, Rhodophyta,

Euglenophyta.

● Algae are important in economy for they produce raw materials to make gels, soup,

beauty products, etc.

 ● Algae are importnat in biology and health for they synthesis oxygen, produce starch,

food for marine organisms, cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, stress, weight loss, heart
disease, high cholesterol, etc.

Assessment
A. Multiple Choice. Choose the best answer in the question.
1. Which Kingdom do algae belong?
a. Animals
b. Monera
c. Plants
d. Protista
2. What is the mode of nutrition of most algae?
a. Autotrophic
b. Heterotrophic
c. Photoautotrophic
d. Photoheterotrophic
3. What is the cell type of algae?
a. Abiotic
b. Biotic
c. Eukaryotic
d. Prokaryotic
4. What formations do algae reproduce?
 a. Asexual
b. Sexual
c. Spore formation
d. All of the above
5. What is the taxonomic rank above class and below kingdom?
a. Order
b. Species
c. Organism
d. Phylum
6. What is the difference between green and brown algae?
a. Green algae have pigments chlorophyll a and b while brown algae have
pigments chlorophyll a and c.
b. Green algae have pigments chlorophyll a and b while brown algae have pigments
chlorophyll b and c.
c. Green algae have pigments chlorophyll a and c while brown algae have pigments
chlorophyll a and b.
d. Green algae have pigments chlorophyll a and c while brown algae have pigments
chlorophyll b and c.

7. Which of the follow is NOT an example of red algae?

a. Fucus
b. Porphyra
c. Rhodymenia
d. Delesseria
8. What is the other name for Pyrrophyta?
a. Diatoms
b. Red Algae
c. Green Algae
d. Dinoflagellates
9. What is the other name for red algae?
a. Chlorophyta
b. Rhodophyta
c. Euglenophyta
d. Chrysophyta
10. What distinguished the division of algae?
a. Color
b. Flagella
 c. Size
d. Structure
B. True or False. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if the statement is
wrong.
1. Algae are from the Kingdom Monera. FALSE
2. Algae are prokaryotes. FALSE
3. Algae are photosynthetic organisms. TRUE
4. Algae are only unicellular. FALSE
5. Algae have roots, stems and leaves. FALSE
6. The pigment phycocyanin and phycoerythrin are responsible for the characteristic blue
colouration of algae. FALSE (RED)
7. Blue algae are eukaryotes.
8. Reproduction in algae occurs in both asexual and sexual forms. TRUE
9. Green algae have primary photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll a and b, along with
auxiliary pigments such as xanthophylls and beta carotene. TRUE
10. Algae are found where there is adequate moisture. TRUE

Enrichment (Virtual lab)

Go to https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/algae_lab_virtual.html for your
virtual laboratory activity. Follow the instruction and answer the following questions:
1. Algae belong to what Kingdom?
_________________________________________________________________

2. What are the three types of multicellular algae?

_________________________________________________________________

3. Are algae autotrophs or heterotrophs?

_________________________________________________________________

4. What organelle allows plants (and plantlike protists) to photosynthesize?

_________________________________________________________________

Photo: Live Euglena at 200x

5. What is the function of the eyespot?
 _________________________________________________________________

6. How many euglena are visible on the slide at 200x?

_________________________________________________________________

7. Where do euglena live?

_________________________________________________________________

Photo: Live Euglena Moving

8. Why are the euglena have different shapes?
_________________________________________________________________

Photo: Euglena at 400x

9. Draw a euglena and label the chloroplasts and the flagellum:

Video: Flagella
10. Watch as the euglena swims. Describe how it uses its flagellum to move. Does the
flagellum push or pull the euglena?

Photo: LA ESPIRAL VERDE DE SPIROGYRA

11. How did the spirogyra get its name?
_________________________________________________________________

12. How many cells are visible in this photo?

_________________________________________________________________

Photo: Spirogyra seep PtReyes

 13. Using the micrometer scale, approximately how long is the filament pictured?
_________________________________________________________________

14. Use the same scale to estimate the length of a single cell within the filamen:
________________________________________________________________

Photo: Volvox
15. How many individual cells are pictured on this photo?
_______________________________________________________________

Video: Volvox
16. Describe how the volvox move:
_______________________________________________________________

References

Algae bloom in a small farm pond. (2007). Soil Science. Retrieved from
https://www.flickr.com/photos/soilscience/5084241721/.
Bettinghofer, W. (n.d.). Ulothrix. Retrieved October 8, 2021 from https://eol.org/pages/10621
Brown Algae. (2021). eMedicineHealth. Retrieved December 31, 2021 from
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/brown_algae/vitamins-supplements.htm.
Chlorophyta. (2021). Biology Online. Retrieved December 31, 2021 from
https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/chlorophyta.
Chrysophyta. (2012). The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6 th ed. Retrieved December 31, 2021
from https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/ecology/microbes/moneran-
protistan/chrysophyta.
Chrysophyta. (2018). Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/microbes-algae-and-fungi/
moneran-and-protistan/chrysophyta.
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from https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/differentiate-between-red-algae-and-
brown-algae-class-11-biology-cbse-5fb319b9de1c3232ee2932f2.
El Gama, A. A. (2009). Biological Importance of Marine Algae. Retrieved October 8, 202,
from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255987650_Biological_Importance_of_Mari
ne_Algae.
Euglenoids (n.d.). Plant Life. Retrieved October 8, 2021 from
http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/04/euglenoids.html?m=1
Euglenophyta. (2021). Biology Online. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from:
https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/euglenophyta.
Fucus distichus (n.d.). Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Metwork. Retrieved October 8, 2021
from https://marine.ucsc.edu/target/target-species-fucus.html
General Characteristics of Algae. (2021). Cliff Notes. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from:
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/biology/microbiology/the-unicellular-algae/
general-characteristics-of-algae.
Hand drawn colorful laminaria digitata seaweed. (n.d.). Dreamstime. Retrieved October 8,
2021 from https://www.dreamstime.com/hand-drawn-colorful-laminaria-digitata-
seaweed-vector-illustration-image146377439
Natalia, E. (2018). Euglena-a superfood with powerful benefits. Retrieved December 31,
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powerful-benefits/#:~:text=Euglena%20has%20various%20powerful%20benefits,uric
%20acid%20in%20the%20blood.
Phaeophyceae: Brown Algae (n.d.). The Seaweed Site: information on marine algae.
Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.seaweed.ie/algae/phaeophyta.php
Phylum. (2021). Biology Online. https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/phylum.
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https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/239557#ref5
Shomrat, A., & Dey, P. S. (n.d.). Plantlet. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from
https://plantlet.org/pyrrophyta-the-fire-algae-dinoflagellate/
Suena, J. (2020). Porphyra. Retrieved December 31, 2021 from
https://depositphotos.com/399149528/stock-illustration-porphyra-edible-seaweed-
red-algae.html.
Ward, B. (n.d.). What is Spirogyra? (Characteristics, Classification and Structure. Retrieved
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https://byjus.com/biology/algae/.
Woo, P. (1994). G Toxic Effects of Free-living Dinoflagellates. Parasitic Protozoa, 2 nd ed.
Vol. 8.
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Figure on ResearchGate. Retrieved October 8, 2021 from:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Classification-of-algae-explained-in-a-simple-
way_fig1_325710331