Question

Algae are classified based on

• A. type of pigments
• B. nature of the cell wall material
• C. nature of the reserve food
• D. all of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D all of the above

Algae are classified into three groups - chlorophyceae, phaeophyceae and rhodophyceae - based on the type of pigments, nature of the reserve food material and the nature of the cell wall material.

Chlorophyceae have chlorophyll a & b. The cell wall is made of cellulose and starch is the reserve food material.

Phaeophyceae has chlorophyll a & c and fucoxanthin pigments. Laminarin and mannitol are the reserve food materials. Non-sulphated phycocolloids and cellulose are present in the cell wall.

Rhodophyceae have phycoerythrin pigment. Reserve food material is floridean starch. Cell wall has sulphated phycocolloids.