Lecture Notes on Algae

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to algae and their classifications as discussed in the lecture notes.

Algae

Photosynthetic protists, lacks a universally accepted definition.

Protist

A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms that are primarily aquatic.

Cyanobacteria

Also known as blue-green algae, these are prokaryotic organisms that perform photosynthesis.

Dinoflagellates

A group of protists that can produce toxic compounds and cause red tides.

Diatoms

A major group of algae, known for their silica cell walls and importance in marine phytoplankton.

Euglenoids

A group of protists, some of which are photosynthetic and used for vitamin B12 production.

Chlorophyta

The green algae group containing more than 6,000 species.

Rhodophyta

Red algae known for their economic uses and importance in marine ecosystems.

Phaeophyta

The brown algae group that includes kelps and is characterized by the pigment fucoxanthin.

Zygotic meiosis

A type of sexual reproduction where the zygote undergoes meiosis to produce spores.

Saxitoxin

A potent neurotoxin produced by some dinoflagellates that can cause shellfish poisoning.

Agar

A gelatinous substance derived from red algae, used as a thickener in various food products.

Alginates

Polymers derived from brown algae, used as emulsifiers and stabilizers in food and industrial applications.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating haploid cells.

Gamete

A reproductive cell that fuses with another gamete during fertilization.

Planktonic algae

Algae that live in water columns, drifting in the water.

Benthic algae

Algae that grow on the bottom of bodies of water.

Terrestrial

Growing or living on land rather than in water.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms.