Algae: Survey of Eukaryotes (Part 4)

Does Algae cause infections in humans?

No, Algae does not cause infections in humans

Algae Reproduction

Algae reproduces asexually and sexually

Algae are Mixotrophic, what is Mixotrophic?

Can generate energy from photosynthesis and uptake of organic material

Algae are Heterotrophic, what is Heterotrophic

These can at times be parasitic organisms (not for humans)

When you see Blue-Green Algae, what are you automatically going to think about?

Chloroplasts (because they are the progenitors of chloroplasts)`

Blue-Green Algae Produces

Cyanotoxins (dangerous for humans and animals)

Blue-Green Algae

Cyanobacteria that is prokaryotic and derives energy from photosynthesis, found in every aquatic habitat

Dinoflagellates

Single-celled eukaryotic algae that reproduces asexually (and some sexually), have mitochondria and chloroplasts

What gives Dinoflagellates a red color?

Red Algal Plastids (Chloroplasts)

What Toxin do Dinoflagellates produce?

Dinotoxins

How is Red Algae benefical?

Rich source of antioxidants, vitamins and proteins

Red Algae

Rhodophyta, multicellular, replicates sexually ONLY, does not have flagella

Oldest Group of Eukaryotic Algae

Rhodophyta

What gives Red Algae their distinct red color?

Phycobiliproteins

What are the types of Algae that can produce harmful algal blooms in waterways?

Cyanobacteria and Dinoflagellates

During algal blooms, oxygen is

Depleted in waterway

Algal blooms also block

Sunlight which prevents photosynthesis in other organisms in waterways

Economic impact of algal blooms

Approximately 65% of major bodies of water in the United States are impacted, annual cost 2.2 billion, and massive die offs of fish

Impact of Algal Blooms

Toxins produced by algae can lead to the death of livestock/pets/birds/humans/marine mammals

Remedies for Algal Blooms

Chemical treatment of waterways (algicides) and damming waterways, monitor algal growth, reduce chemical runoff