What is the basis of classification of algae?
Answers
Fritsch (1935), has classified algae considering phylogeny, affinities and inter-relationships of various forms. He classified algae mainly on the basis of the characters like structure of plant body, nature of the pigments, reserve food material, number and position of flagella, chemistry of cell wall and methods of reproduction etc. Algae is divided into 11 classes but among them 3 main classes are Chlorophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae.
The presence or absence of pigments is the main basis of classification of algae.
• Chlorophyceae: Chlorophyll a and b are present in them and impart green colour. Chlorophyceae are also called ‘blue-green algae’.
• Phaeophyceae: Chlorophyll a and c and fuxoxanthin are present. Fucoxanthin imparts brown colour. Phaeophyceae are also called ‘brown algae’.
• Rhodophyceae: Chlorophyll a and d and phycoerythrin are present. Phycoerythrin imparts red colour. Rhodophyceae are also called ‘red algae’.