Question

"Fire algae" belongs to group

• A. Pyrrophyta
• B. Bacillariophyta
• C. Euglenophyta
• D. Rhodophyta

Answer 1

The correct option is A Pyrrophyta

Pyrrophyta is reddish brown unicellular dinoflagellates with/without cellulosic cell wall. Dinoflagellates are the bioluminescent algae. They have pigment luciferin which is acted upon by the enzyme luciferase causing production of light without any heat, thus the name fire algae.

Euglenophyta are unicellular autotrophic algae characterized by absence of cell wall and presence of pellicle, they are not bioluminescent.

Bacillariophyta includes unicellular autotrophic algae (diatoms) with characteristic silicon cell wall and are responsible for formation of diatomaceous earth.

Rhodophyta includes mostly multicellular algae (red algae) characterized by presence of calcium carbonate in cell wall which forms coral reefs.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.