What is the basis of classification of algae?
Algae are labeled into 3 predominant classes - Chlorophyceae, Phaeophyceae, and Rhodophyceae. These divisions are primarily based totally on the subsequent factors: (a) Major photosynthetic pigments present (b) Form of saved food (c) Cell wall composition (d) Number of flagella and role of insertion Class I - Chlorophyceae Common name - Green algae Major pigments - Chlorophylls a and b Stored food - Starch Cell wall composition - Cellulose Flagella range and role - 2-8; same and apical Class II - Phaeophyceae Common name- Brown algae Major pigments - Chlorophylls a and c, and fucoxanthin Stored food - Mannitol and laminarin Cell wall composition - Cellulose and algin Flagella quantity and role - 2; unequal and lateral Class III - Rhodophyceae Common name - Red algae Major pigments - Chlorophylls a and b, and phycoerythrin Stored food - Floridean starch Cell wall - Cellulose, pectin, and polysulphate esters Flagella range - Absent
