Algae

Characteristics

• Range in size from microscopic to single called organism to large seaweed
• Autotrophic
• From the reproductive structures - gametangia or gammete chambers
• Aquatic and have flagella at some point in life
• Often contain pyrenoids, organelles that synthesis and store starch

 Structure

• Thallus (haploid) 
• Four types of algae

1. Unicellular
2. Colonial
3. Filamentous
4. Multi-cellular

   
Reproduction
- Most reproduce both sexually and asexually
- Most sexual reproduction is triggered by environmental stress
Asexual Reproduction
- Mitosis
Sexual Reproduction
- Meiosis
- Zoospores
- Plus and minus gametes
- Zygospore