Question

Why are dinoflagellates called fire algae? Give an example.

Answer 1

Dinoflagellates:

1. Dinoflagellates are unicellular eukaryotes that belong to kingdom protista.
2. Dinoflagellates are very diverse, most exhibit the following characteristics:

• They are planktonic.
• They are small.
• Many are thecate, having an internal skeleton of cellulose-like plates.
• Their chromosomes are always condensed.
• All dinoflagellates are not photosynthetic.
• They reproduce asexually.

3. Red tides are conditions when a dinoflagellate population increases to such huge numbers that it discolors the water.

4. There are several types of neurotoxins produced by dinoflagellates.

5. These chemicals may affect nerve action by interfering with the movement of ions across cell membranes.