PODCAST OUTLINE: THE CHLOROPHYTA (GREEN ALGAE)
1. Introductory comments
2. Unifying features
A. Cell wall composed mostly of cellulose
B. Photosynthetic, containing one or more chloroplasts
C. Phtosynthetic pigments contain chl a and b, carotenoids, and leutein
D. Glucose polymerizes to form amylose
3. Diversity within Chlorophyta
A. Body is variable; includes unicellular (both motile and non-motile),
filamentous, foliaceous, coenocytic, colonial, and parenchymous types.
B. Cell wall can be cellulose alone, or impregnated with calcium carbonate
C. Patterns of reproduction: isogamy, oogamy, conjugation
D. Chloroplast shape: ribbon, star, disc, plate
E. Habitat preference: freshwater, saltwater, terrestrial,
4. Ecological attributes: primary producers, some in unusual habitats
5. Scientific value
6. Economic values: food, dietary supplement, wastewater treatment, aquaria plants
7. Phylogenetic considerations
Questions:
1. List and briefly discuss four general plant features that are found in the green
algae
2. List and briefly describe four body forms found in the green algae
3. How are the chloroplasts important diagnostic characters of the green algae?
4. Where would be the best places to go to see green algae?
5. In what unusual habitats do green algae live?
6. Describe scalariform conjugation, and explain how it differs from oogamy and
isogamy.
7. Of what ecological value are the green algae?
8. How are the green algae important scientifically?
9. How are they important economically?
10. Explain what is meant when somebody says that the green algae are
paraphyletic.