Cell wall constitution in different algae groups

General Botany

Green Algae Main Cell Wall Components:

Cellulose, hemicellulose

Green Algae Special Features:

Similar to land plants

Green Algae Example Genera:

Spirogyra, Ulva

Red Algae Main Cell Wall Components:

Cellulose, agar, carrageenan

Red Algae Special Features:

Gelling polysaccharides some calcified

Red Algae Example Genera:

Gracilaria, Corallina

Brown Algae Main Cell Wall Components:

Cellulose, alginates, fucoidan

Brown Algae Special Features:

Tough, Flexible; water retention

Brown Algae Example Genera:

Laminaria, Fucus

Diatoms Main Cell Wall Components:

Silica Frustule, pectin

Diatoms Special Features:

Glass-like, ornate shells

Diatoms Example Genera:

Navicula, Thalassiosira

Dinoflagellates Main Cell Wall Components:

Cellulose plates (in theca)

Dinoflagellates Special Features:

Internal armor or none

Dinoflagellates Example Genera:

Ceratium, Alexandrium

Euglenoids Main Cell Wall Components:

No wall; protein pellicle

Euglenoids Special Features:

Flexible shape; no rigid wall

Euglenoids Common Genera:

Euglena