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Related Concept Videos

Green Algae01:21

Green Algae

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Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
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Sulfur Assimilation01:20

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Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to...
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Other Algae01:19

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The group Stramenopiles include some phototrophic microorganisms. Members of this group possess flagella covered in numerous short, hairlike extensions, a feature that inspired the group's name, derived from the Latin words for "straw" and "hair." Some of the main categories of Stramenopiles include diatoms, golden algae, and brown algae.Diatoms are unicellular, photosynthetic eukaryotes, with over 200 known genera. They play a key role in the planktonic communities of both marine and...
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Red Algae01:23

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Red algae, also known as rhodophytes, are primarily found in marine environments, though some species inhabit freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. These organisms exist in both unicellular and multicellular forms, with some multicellular varieties reaching macroscopic sizes.As phototrophic organisms, red algae contain chlorophyll a; however, their chloroplasts lack chlorophyll b. Instead, they possess phycobiliproteins, which serve as major light-harvesting pigments, similar to those found in...
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Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae
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Selenium accumulation and metabolism in algae.

Michela Schiavon1, Andrea Ertani2, Sofia Parrasia3

  • 1Biology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1878, USA.

Aquatic Toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|May 30, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Selenium (Se) is essential but toxic for many organisms. Algae absorb and metabolize Se, impacting aquatic ecosystems and offering potential for human health through biofortification.

Keywords:
AccumulationAlgaeMetabolismSeleniumToxicityUptake

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Ecotoxicology

Background:

  • Selenium (Se) is a vital element with dual roles: essential for organisms but toxic at high concentrations.
  • Algae absorb selenium compounds (selenate, selenite) via plant-like mechanisms.
  • The essentiality of Se for plants remains unconfirmed, unlike its known requirement for some microalgae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review Se uptake, accumulation, and metabolism in micro- and macro-algae.
  • To discuss the ecotoxicological impacts of Se on algal growth and aquatic primary production.
  • To explore the nutritional benefits of Se-enriched algae for human health and biofortification.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on Se interactions with algae.
  • Analysis of Se uptake and conversion pathways in different algal species.
  • Evaluation of Se's role in algal ecophysiology and biogeochemical cycling.

Main Results:

  • Algae play a key role in aquatic Se cycling, influencing its environmental fate.
  • High Se levels can inhibit algal growth, reducing primary productivity.
  • Some microalgae detoxify Se by converting it into volatile compounds.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding Se dynamics in algae is crucial for aquatic ecosystem health and Se management.
  • Se-biofortified algae offer a promising strategy for enhancing human nutrition with beneficial organic Se compounds.
  • Algae are pivotal in Se biogeochemical cycling and hold potential for Se remediation and human health applications.