Algae refers to a diverse group of organisms that can produce oxygen through photosynthesis

 

Algae

Algae is a class of creatures that are mostly aquatic, photosynthetic, and nucleus-bearing but lack the real roots, stems, leaves, and specialised multicellular reproductive systems that plants have. Their photosynthetic pigments are also more diverse than those found in plants, and their cells have unique characteristics not seen in either plants or animals.

These Algae organisms aren't always connected to each other. Certain characteristics, however, link them together while separating them from the other major group of photosynthetic creatures, terrestrial plants. According to the authors of "Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, 2nd Edition," algae are not substantially differentiated in the same way as plants are (CRC Press, 2014). That is, they lack genuine roots, stems, and leaves, as well as a circulatory system that allows water and nutrients to move throughout their bodies.

Because of these traits, the name "algae" encompasses both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae (all other algal species). "Inclusion of cyanobacteria into the informal group "algae" is widespread because "algae" does not form a natural group that has descended from a common ancestor," said Linda Graham, a botany professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Cyanobacteria are not considered eukaryotic algae." It's also worth noting that land plants' chloroplasts, which are where photosynthesis takes place, are adapted cyanobacteria.

Algae, on the whole, are capable of photosynthesis, which allows them to manufacture carbohydrates and oxygen utilising light energy from the sun and carbon dioxide. To put it another way, the vast majority of algae are autotrophs, or more precisely, photoautotrophs (reflecting their use of light energy to generate nutrients). Certain algae species, on the other hand, are heterotrophic, meaning they rely completely on outside sources for their nutrition. To obtain nutrients from organic sources, such animals use a range of heterotrophic techniques (carbon containing compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats). Phagotrophy involves swallowing bacteria or other prey.

Osmotrophy is the absorption of dissolved chemicals, while phagotrophy is the engulfment of bacteria or other prey. Auxotrophic algae, on the other hand, only require critical vitamins like the B12complex and fatty acids (according to "Algae"). According to the authors of "Algae," algae's nutritional methods fall on a range that includes both photoautotrophy and heterotrophy. Mixotrophy is the term for this skill.