Question

why are desmids called golden algae even though they are unicellular green algae

Answer 1

desmids are known as golden algae because they form a secreted skeletal structure made up of silica

Answer 2

Answer:

They are called as desmids due to the presence of pigment fucoxanthin.

Explanation:

The desmids are termed as golden-brown or golden algae as they have characteristic golden colored pigment named fucoxanthin. their color is also golden due to the presence of the oil droplets that they save as the source of food. This group have 33 genera and 1200 species in it.