Algae example

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: • Explain why algae are included within the discipline of microbiology • Describe the unique characteristics of algae • Identify examples of toxin-producing algae • Compare the major groups of algae in this chapter, and give examples of each • Classify algal organisms according to major groups The algae are autotrophic protists that can be unicellular or multicellular. These organisms are found in the supergroups Chromalveolata (dinoflagellates, diatoms, golden algae, and brown algae) and Archaeplastida (red algae and green algae). They are important ecologically and environmentally because they are responsible for the production of approximately 70% of the oxygen and organic matter in aquatic environments. Some types of algae, even those that are microscopic, are regularly eaten by humans and other animals. Additionally, algae are the source for agar, agarose, and carrageenan, solidifying agents used in laboratories and in food production. Although algae are typically not pathogenic, some produce toxins. Harmful algal bloom s, which occur when algae grow quickly and produce dense populations, can produce high concentrations of toxins that impair liver and nervous-system function in aquatic animals and humans. Like protozoans, algae often have complex cell structures. For instance, algal cells can have one or more chloroplasts that contain structures called pyrenoids to synthesize and store starch. The ch...

\( \newcommand\) • • Learning Objectives • Explain why algae are included within the discipline of microbiology • Describe the unique characteristics of algae • Identify examples of toxin-producing algae • Compare the major groups of algae in this chapter, and give examples of each • Classify algal organisms according to major groups The algae are autotrophic protists that can be unicellular or multicellular. These organisms are found in the supergroups Chromalveolata (dinoflagellates, diatoms, golden algae, and brown algae) and Archaeplastida (red algae and green algae). They are important ecologically and environmentally because they are responsible for the production of approximately 70% of the oxygen and organic matter in aquatic environments. Some types of algae, even those that are microscopic, are regularly eaten by humans and other animals. Additionally, algae are the source for agar, agarose, and carrageenan, solidifying agents used in laboratories and in food production. Although algae are typically not pathogenic, some produce toxins. Harmful algal blooms, which occur when algae grow quickly and produce dense populations, can produce high concentrations of toxins that impair liver and nervous-system function in aquatic animals and humans. Like protozoans, algae often have complex cell structures. For instance, algal cells can have one or more chloroplasts that contain structures called pyrenoids to synthesize and store starch. The chloroplasts themselves differ ...

× This article is based on scientific evidence, written by Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Top 7 Algae Benefits that May Surprise You By Annie Price, CHHC November 23, 2016 Algae are some of the most primitive life forms found on Earth and have been consumed as food and medicine for centuries. Human consumption of the blue-green algae called In fact, algae benefits are so pronounced — due to their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and proteins — that they are commonly referred to as superfoods. There are actually several more varieties, which have overlapping as well as some differentiating health benefits. Brown algae, for example, has been used to for weight loss, cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, stress, heart disease, high cholesterol and an array of other serious health conditions. ( Studies have also indicated that the blue-green type has antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antidiabetic and antibacterial properties. ( What Is Algae? What is algae (plural) or alga (singular)? Definitions ...

Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms belonging to Kingdom Protista. There are few similarities between individual members of this Kingdom, as it includes all the eukaryotes that are not animals, plants, or fungi. Most protists are microscopic and unicellular, though a few species are multicellular. Typically, protists reproduce asexually, though some are capable of sexual reproduction. Some protists are heterotrophs, and feed on other microscopic organisms and carbon-rich materials they find in their surrounding environment; others are photosynthetic and make their own food using chloroplasts. Protists may be classified as animal-like, fungus-like, or plant-like Classification of Protists Protists are always eukaryotic, and all protists contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They are typically unicellular organisms, though a few are multicellular. Protists live in aquatic environments and may be found in freshwater, saltwater, or damp soil habitats. Besides these features, the members of Kingdom Protista have little in common with one another. Protists come in a wide variety of different forms and may be classified as animal-like, plant-like, or fungus-like, depending on their characteristics. Animal-like Protists Animal-like protists are called protozoa (meaning ‘first animal’). All protozoans are unicellular and heterotrophic, meaning they seek out food in their surrounding environments. Some animal-like protists prey on other, smaller mic...