Rhodophyceae (Red Algae)
Rhodophyceae, commonly known as red algae, are distinguished by the dominant presence of r-phycoerythrin, a red pigment that enables them to thrive in deep and well-lit marine environments, primarily in warmer waters. These algae exhibit a range of forms, often characterized by complex multicellular structures.
Characteristics
- Habitat: Predominantly marine, with high concentrations in warmer regions, found at various water depths.
- Body Structure: The thalli of red algae are mostly multicellular and may have complex organizational patterns.
- Food Storage: They store energy as floridean starch, which resembles amylopectin and glycogen in structure.
Reproduction
- Vegetative Reproduction: Mainly occurs through fragmentation.
- Asexual Reproduction: Involves the production of non-motile spores.
- Sexual Reproduction: Characterized as oogamous, where non-motile gametes fuse during complex post-fertilization developments.
Examples of notable red algae include Polysiphonia, Porphyra (commonly used in food), Gracilaria, and Gelidium.