Plant Kingdom

Phycology

The study of algae.

Habitat of Algae

Algae are found in aquatic (freshwater and marine), terrestrial (moist soil and wood), and on animals, such as sloth bears.

Symbiotic Association

Some algae form a symbiotic relationship with fungi called lichen.

Cell Wall Composition

The cell wall of algae is mainly composed of cellulose, with galactans, mannans, and calcium carbonate present in some.

Mucilaginous Layer

A protective gelatinous or mucilaginous layer that may cover algae.

Nutrition in Algae

Algae are autotrophic, containing chlorophyll and preparing food through photosynthesis.

Thallus

The plant body of algae that is not differentiated into true roots, stems, and leaves.

Reproductive Structures in Algae

Algae do not have flowers, fruits, seeds, or embryos; they form a zygote after fertilization.

Vascular Tissues in Algae

Algae lack vascular tissues, such as xylem and phloem.

Filamentous Algae

A form of algae characterized by thread-like filaments, e.g., Ulothrix and Spirogyra.

Colonial Algae

Algae where cells live together in a colony, such as Volvox.

Massive Marine Algae

Some marine algae form large plant-like bodies, known as kelps.

Vegetative Reproduction in Algae

Occurs by fragmentation where each fragment develops into a new thallus.

Asexual Reproduction in Algae

Involves the formation of asexual spores, with zoospores being the most common.

Types of Sexual Reproduction in Algae

Sexual reproduction occurs through gamete fusion, including isogamy, anisogamy, and oogamy.