Learning more about... Algae

Algae are simple organisms that belong to the Protist kingdom. 

Although they may look like a plant, algae are completely different living things because they do not have the cell and tissue structure of plants.  Algae do not have the same structures that land plants do, such as leaves, roots and other organs. The largest and most complex marine algae are called seaweeds, which are multicellular. Unicellular algae are often called phytoplankton.

Parts of seaweeds

The main characteristics of algae are: 

They have eukaryotic cells, which means that they have a nucleus and organelles.They can be unicellular or multicellular. 

Chlorella (unicellular algae)

Diatoms (unicellular algae)

Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera, multicellular brown algae)

They are autotrophic, which means that they can produce their own food by photosynthesis.
They produce oxygen that is returned to the atmosphere.They have different sizes:  from microscopic to hundreds of metres in lengthThey do not have the tissues and organs of plants: they do not have true roots, stems, or leaves. Most algae are aquatic, although some are found in soil or on trees when there is enough moisture. They can be found in freshwater, marine, and moist soil habitats.They have chlorophyll and other pigments for carrying out photosynthesis. Depending on the pigments they have, algae have different colours. The three main colours are:

Red algae (Palmaria palmata, Dulse)

Brown algae (Fucus vesiculosus, Bladderwrack)

Green algae (Ulva lactuca, Sea lettuce)

Did you know? Many algae are beneficial to humans!

Here you have some videos to learn more about these amazing living things:

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ALGAE

INTRODUCTION TO ALGAE

UNDERWATER KELP FORESTS