What is an algae?

Algae are simple organisms that typically produce their own food through
photosynthesis. They are similar to higher plants, but they lack many of the
distinct organs that you will find in a higher plant. The higher plants are
believed to have evolved from algae, and algae are believed to have gotten
their capacity for photosynthesis from cyanobacteria.
Algae (singular alga) are a large group of diverse organisms that use
photosynthesis to produce food. Although some forms are large and multicellular,
they differ from plants in that their cells are not clearly organized into different
types of tissue with different functions. This group includes a wide variety of
organisms that are not always closely related to one another the similarities in
form are often due to parallel evolution, where different organisms have adapted
in similar ways to fill similar niches..


Charcteristics of an algae
Algae are eukaryotic organisms. They do contain chlorophyll, but have no
roots, stems, or leaves. Algae is classified into seven divisions. Five are located
in the Protista Kingdom, and two are located in the Plantae Kingdom. Most
algae goes through photosynthesis, however, there are types that obtain
energy from chemical reactions. Algae can reproduce asexually or sexually.
Types of algae
The main phylogenetic groups of algae are [1], [2]:
Diatoms: unicellular organisms of the kingdom protista, characterized by a silica
shell of often intricate and beautiful sculpturing. Most diatoms exist singly, although
some join to form colonies. They are usually yellowish or brownish, and are found in
fresh- and saltwater, in moist soil, and on the moist surface of plants. Fresh-water
and marine diatoms appear in greatest abundance early in the year as part of the
phenomenon known as the spring bloom, which occurs as a result of the availablity
of both light and (winter-regenerated) nutrients. They reproduce asexually by cell
division. When aguatic diatoms die they drop to the bottom, and the shells, not being
subject to decay, collect in the ooze and eventually form the material known as
diatomaceous earth. Diatoms can occur in a more compact form as a soft, chalky,
lightweight rock, called diatomite. Diatomite is used as an insulating material against
both heat and sound, in making dynamite and other explosives, and for filters,
abrasives, and similar products. Diatoms have deposited most of the earths
limestone, and much petroleum is of diatom origin. The surface mud of a pond,
ditch, or lagoon will almost always yield some diatoms.
Chlorophyta: division of the kingdom of protista consisting of the photosyntetic
organism commonly known as green algae. The various species can be unicellular,
multi-cellular, coenocytic (having more than one nucleus in a cell), or colonial.
Chlorophyta are largely aguatic or marine moist soil, on the trunks of trees, on moist
rocks and in snow banks.
Euglenophyta: small phylum of the kingdom protista, consisting of mostly unicellular
aguatic algae. Some euglenoids contain chloroplasts with the photosynthetic pigments;
others are heterotrophic and can ingest or absorb their food. Reproduction occurs by
longitudinal cell division. Most live in freshwater. The most characteristic genus is Euglena,
common in ponds and pools, especially when the water has been polluted by runoff from
fields or lawns on which fertilizers have been used. There are approximately 1000 species of
euglenoids.
Dinoflagellata: large group of flagellate protistis. Some species are heterotrophic, but
many are photosynthetic organisms containing chlorophyll. Various other pigments may
mask the green of these chlorophylls. Other species are endosymbionts of marine animals
and protozoa, and play an important part in the biology of coral reefs. Other dinoflagellates
are colorless predators on other protozoa, and a few forms are parasitic. Reproduction for
most dinoflagellates is asexual, through simple division of cells following mitosis. The
dinoflagellates are important constituents of plankton, and as such are primary food sources
in warmer oceans. Many forms are phosphorescent; they are largely responsible for the
phosphorescence visible at night in tropical seas. There are approximately 2000 species of
dinoflagellates.
Chrysophyta: large group of eukariotyes algae commonly called golden algae, found
mostly in freshwater. Originally they were taken to include all such forms except the
diatoms and multicellular brown algae, but since then they have been divided into several
different groups based on pigmentation and cell structure. In many chrysophytes the cell
walls are composed of cellulose with large quantities of silica. Formerly classified as plants,
they contain the photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll a and c. Under some circumstances
they will reproduce sexually, but the usual form of reproduction is cell division.
Phaeophyta: phylum of the kingdom protista consisting of those organisms commonly
called brown algae. Many of the world's familiar seaweeds are members of phaeophyta. Like
the chrysophytes brown algae derive their color from the presence, in the cell chloroplasts,
of several brownish carotenoid pigments, as fucoxathin. With only a few exceptions, brown
algae are marine, growing in the colder oceans of the world, many in the tidal zone, where
they are subjected to great stress from wave action; others grow in deep water. There are
approximately 1500 species of phaeophyta.
Rhodophyta: phylum of the kingdom protista consisting of the photosynthetic organisms
commonly known as red algae. Members of the division have a characteristic clear red or
purplish color imparted by accessory pigments called phycobilins. The red algae are
multicellular and are characterized by a great deal of branching, but without differentiation
into complex tissues. Most of the world's seaweeds belong to this group. Although red algae
are found in all oceans, they are most common in warm-temperate and tropical climates,
where they may occur at greater depths than any other photosynthetic organisms. Most of
the coralline algae, which secrete calcium carbonate and play a major role in building reefs,
belong here. Red algae are a traditional part of oriental cuisine. There are 4000 known
marine species of red algae; a few species occur in freshwater.
Cyanobacteria: phylum of prokaryotic aguatic bacteria that obtain their energy through
photosynthesis. They are often referred to as blue-green algae, even though it is now
known that
Functions of an algae
Uses of Algae as Energy source, Fertilizer, Food and Pollution control
Humans use algae as food, for production of useful compounds, as
biofilters to remove nutrients and other pollutants from wastewaters, to
assay water quality, as indicators of environmental change, in space
technology, and as laboratory research systems. Algae is commercially
cultivated for Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics and
Aquaculture purpose.
Fuel source
Algae can be used to make Biodiesel (see algaculture), Bioethanol and biobutanol and
by some estimates can produce vastly superior amounts of vegetable oil, compared to
terrestrial crops grown for the same purpose.
Algae can be grown to produce hydrogen. In 1939 a German researcher named Hans
Gaffron, while working at the University of Chicago, observed that the algae he was
studying, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (a green-algae), would sometimes switch from the
production of oxygen to the production of hydrogen.
Algae can be g1. It is a complete protein with essential amino acids (unlike most plant foods)
that are involved in major metabolic processes such as energy and enzyme production.
2. It contains high amounts of simple and complex carbohydrates which provide the body with a
source of additional fuel. In particular, the sulfated complex carbohydrates are thought to
enhance the immune systems regulatory response.
3. It contains an extensive fatty acid profile, including Omega 3 and Omega 6. These essential
fatty acids also play a key role in the production of energy.
4. It has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in naturally-occurring
synergistic design.
Stabilizing agent
Chondrus crispus, (probably confused with Mastocarpus stellatus, common name: Irish moss),
is also used as "carrageen". It is an excellent stabiliser in milk products - it reacts with the milk
protein caesin, other products include: petfoods, toothpaste, ice-creams and lotions
etc.,Alginates in creams and lotions are absorbable through the skin.
Fertilizer
Algae are used by humans in many ways. They are used as fertilizers, soil conditioners and are
a source of livestock feed. Because many species are aquatic and microscopic, they are
cultured in clear tanks or ponds and either harvested or used to treat effluents pumped through
the ponds
Role Of Algae in Pollution control
Algae are used in Wastewater Treatment facilities, reducing the need for greater
amounts of toxic chemicals than are already used.
Algae can be used to capture fertilizers in runoff from farms. When subsequently
harvested, the enriched algae itself can be used as fertilizer.
Algae Bioreactors are used by some powerplants to reduce CO
2
emissions. The CO
2

can be pumped into a pond, or some kind of tank, on which the algae feed. Alternatively,
the Bioreactor can be installed directly on top of a smokestack.
rown to produce biomass, which can be burned to produce heat and electricity.