Chlorophyceae/ Green Algae -
Chlorophyceae/ Green Algae:
- These are commonly called green algae because they are green in colour.
- These usually live in freshwater bodies. Some are found in brackish and marine waters.
- The green colouration is due to the presence of photosynthetic pigments Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b are present in chloroplasts. Carotenoids are also present in them.
- Chloroplasts may be discoid, reticulate, ribbon-like, star-like, cup-shaped etc.
- Each chloroplast has either one or more than one starch storing protein bodied called pyrenoids.
- Reserve food material is stored in the form of oil or starch.
- The cell wall has inner cellulose and outer pectin layers.
- Vegetative reproduction occurs by fragmentation or fission.
- Asexual reproduction occurs by the formation (Spirogyra - has non-motile isogamous gametes). In some, it takes place by Anisogamy and in others by Oogamy (Volvox)
- Ex: Chlamydomonas, Volvox, Spirogyra, Ulothrix, Chara
Monoecious plant of Chara shows occurrence of upper antheridium and lower oogonium
on the same plant.
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