BIOL 212 Marine Biology and Ecology - Lecture 4: Marine Algae

This set covers micro-algae and macroalgae diversity, symbiotic relationships, structural components, and ecological and commercial importance as well as commercial importance based on the Marine Biology Lecture 4 notes.

Prochloron

A genus of colonial cyanobacteria that lives within the tunic of sea squirts like Didemnum molle; they are characterized by having both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll d.

Zooxanthellae

Algal cells found in the bell and tentacles of jellyfish and within hard corals that provide glucose to the host in exchange for protection and $CO_2$.

Symbiodinium

A genus of algal symbionts within hard corals that can increase the host's thermal tolerance.

Tetraselmis

A genus of green algae (Chlorophyta) that lives mutualistically within acoel flatworms like Convoluta roscoffensis.

Pneumatocysts

Gas-filled bladders in macroalgae used to provide buoyancy for the blades.

Chlorophyta

Green algae comprising approximately 125 species (10% marine) with pigment and food reserves similar to land plants.

Phaeophyta

Brown algae consisting of approximately 150 species, including kelps, which contain yellow and brown pigments.

Rhodophyta

Red algae comprising approximately 250 species, mostly marine, where the green pigment is masked by red phycobilins.

Thallus

The complete plant-like body of a macroalga that lacks true leaves, stems, and roots.

Holdfast

The root-like structure of a macroalga that functions as an attachment to rock surfaces.

Stipe

The stem-like structure of a macroalga that connects the holdfast to the blades.

Undaria pinnatifida

An invasive species of macroalgae with a wide global distribution.

Macroalgal blooms

Nuisance growths of algae, such as sea lettuce, that occur in areas with high organic input and can lead to anoxic sediments.

Epizoic macroalgae

Macroalgae that grow attached to the bodies of animals, such as Phyllophora antarctica attached to sea urchins.

Antarctic feeding triangle

A mutualistic association involving macroalgae (Phyllophora antarctica and Iredaea cordata), sea urchins (Sterechinus neumayeri), and sea anemones (Isotealia antarctica).

Elysia chlorotica

A species of 'solar powered' sea slug that associates with macroalgae for food and camouflage.

Karengo

The Māori name for Porphyra sp., a type of red algae used as food.

Macrocystis

A genus of brown algae that can grow up to $30\,m$ in length and is considered habitat-forming and highly productive.

Hydrocolloids

Chemical substances derived from macroalgae, such as agar and carrageenan, used in food and industrial products.

Gigartina

A genus of red algae that includes species with blade-like thalli reaching up to $2\,m$ in length.