1. What is the basis of classification of algae?
Algae are chlorophyll-containing thallus-bearing plants characterised by the absence of embryo stage. A variety of algae are found in a variety of habitats. The various types of algae are classified on the basis of their pigments, flagellation and the reserve food material. Based on these criteria, algae are of three types i.e. red algae, brown algae and green algae.
Feature | Chlorophyceae | Phaeophyceae | Rhodophyceae |
Pigment | Chlorophyll a and b | Chlorophyll a, c and fucoxanthin | Chlorophyll a, b and phycoerythrine |
Reserve food material | Starch | Mannitol and laminarin | Floridean starch |
Cell wall composition | Cellulose | Cellulose and algin | Cellulose and pectin |
Flagella | 2-8, equal and apical | 2, unequal and lateral | Absent |