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Related Concept Videos

Other Algae01:19

Other Algae

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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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Green Algae01:21

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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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Overview of Algae01:28

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The kingdom Archaeplastida encompasses red and green algae, along with land plants. Unlike other protists with chloroplasts that arose through secondary endosymbiosis, only red and green algae originated from primary endosymbiotic events. This diverse group of eukaryotic organisms contains chlorophyll and performs oxygenic photosynthesis.Algae exist in various forms, from large brown kelp in coastal waters to green scum in puddles and stains on rocks or soil. Some species are responsible for...
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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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Diversity of Protists III01:27

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Rhizaria are a diverse group of unicellular protists characterized by their threadlike cytoplasmic extensions known as pseudopodia. These structures aid in both locomotion and feeding, giving Rhizaria an amoeboid appearance. Their amoeboid morphology once led to taxonomic confusion, but molecular phylogenetics has clarified their evolutionary placement and emphasized their shared use of pseudopodia despite divergent lineages.This clade comprises diverse lineages such as Chlorarachniophyta,...
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Bacterial Phylum Cyanobacteria01:30

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Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of oxygenic, phototrophic bacteria that played a pivotal role in converting Earth’s atmosphere from anoxic to oxygen-rich billions of years ago. They exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, ranging from unicellular forms to filamentous types, with cell sizes varying between 0.5 μm and 100 μm. Cyanobacteria are classified into five groups: Chroococcales (unicellular, dividing by binary fission), Pleurocapsales (unicellular, dividing by...
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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Autofluorescence Imaging to Evaluate Red Algae Physiology
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Are Thraustochytrids algae?

Ben Leyland1, Stefan Leu1, Sammy Boussiba1

  • 1Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker Campus, 84990, Israel.

Fungal Biology
|September 12, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Thraustochytrids are heterotrophic fungus-like organisms, not algae. This review clarifies their evolutionary relationships, showing no scientific basis for mislabeling them as algae despite their polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) production.

Keywords:
BiotechnologyChromalveolateEndosymbiosisLabyrinthulomycotaPUFAStramenopile

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Analysis of Fatty Acid Content and Composition in Microalgae
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Analysis of Fatty Acid Content and Composition in Microalgae
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Area of Science:

  • Protistology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Thraustochytrids are increasingly utilized for polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) production.
  • Misclassification of Thraustochytrids as 'algae' is common in industry and some literature.
  • This misnomer stems from potential confusion regarding photosynthetic ancestry within Stramenopiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the evolutionary relationships of Thraustochytrids within the Stramenopiles.
  • To scientifically evaluate the basis for classifying Thraustochytrids or their products as 'algae'.
  • To correct the prevalent misnomer associated with these organisms and their biotechnological products.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of Thraustochytrids and related Protist lineages.
  • Review of existing literature on Stramenopile evolution and plastid acquisition.
  • Comparative biological and ecological assessment of Thraustochytrids.

Main Results:

  • Thraustochytrids are confirmed as basal, non-photosynthetic heterotrophs within the Stramenopiles.
  • The common ancestor of Stramenopiles was not photosynthetic.
  • Plastid acquisition occurred later, specifically within the Ochrophyte lineage via endosymbiosis.

Conclusions:

  • There is no phylogenetic, biological, or ecological justification for labeling Thraustochytrids as 'algae'.
  • The term 'algae' should not be applied to Thraustochytrids or their commercially important PUFA-rich oils.
  • Accurate scientific classification is crucial for biotechnological products derived from Thraustochytrids.