Question

What is the basis of classification of algae?

Answer 1

Answer:

Algae were classified into three main classes - Chlorophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Rodophyceae on the basis of pigmentation and types of stored food.

Answer 2

Explanation:

These divisions are based on the following factors:

(a) Major photosynthetic pigments present

(b) Form of stored food

(c) Cell wall composition

(d) Number of flagella and position of insertion Class I – Chlorophyceae

Common name – Green algae

Major pigments – Chlorophylls a and b Stored food – Starch

Cell wall composition – Cellulose

Flagella number and position – 28; equal and apical Class II – Phaeophyceae

Common name– Brown algae

Major pigments – Chlorophylls a and c, and fucoxanthin Stored food – Mannitol and laminarin

Cell wall composition – Cellulose and algin

Flagella number and position – 2; unequal and lateral Class III – Rhodophyceae

Common name – Red algae

Major pigments – Chlorophylls a and b, and phycoerythrin Stored food – Floridean starch

Cell wall – Cellulose, pectin, and polysulphate esters Flagella number – Absent