Algae belong to a grouping, not belonging to a systematic taxon, represented by organisms of plant structure, autotrophic, unicellular or multi-cellular, which produce chemical energy by photosynthesis, generating oxygen and which do not present a differentiation in real tissues.
Table of Contents
- 1 Uses
- 2 The “blue algae” and the real algae
- 3 Common characteristics
- 4 Classification
- 5 Morphology
- 6 Unicellular algae
- 7 Multi-cellular algae
- 8 What is the best algae to buy?
- 9 Best Algae Reviews
- 10 Offers and Discounts
- 11 Cheap Algae
- 12 Buy Algae Online
- 12.1 API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 1-Gallon Bottle
- 12.2 The Algae's Always Greener/Sponge Guard on Duty
- 12.3 API ALGAEFIX Algae Control 16-Ounce Bottle
- 12.4 API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 32-Ounce Bottle, FISHAQUARI (169G)
- 12.5 Slime: How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us
- 12.6 The Lives of Seaweeds: A Natural History of Our Planet's Seaweeds & Other Algae
- 12.7 HTH 67032 Super Algae Guard Swimming Pool Algaecide Cleanser, 1 qt
- 12.8 Nordic Naturals Algae DHA - 500 mg Omega-3 DHA - 90 Soft Gels - Certified Vegan Algae Oil - Plant-Based DHA - Brain, Eye & Nervous System Support - Non-GMO - 45 Servings
- 12.9 Garden of Life Minami Algae Omega 3 Vegan DHA for Brain and Eye Health - Orange Flavor, 500mg Plant Based DHA Omega-3 Vegan Algae Oil Plus Astaxanthin, No Aftertaste, 60 Easy-to-Swallow Mini Softgels
- 12.10 API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 64-Ounce Bottle (FF-169D)
- 13 Best Algae 2022
- 14 References
Uses
Some algae are used in herbal medicine; among these we can remember the drone, the sea oak and the peacock tail. Some cyanobacteria (spirulina, klamath) with the name of “micro-algae” are also used.
The agar agar, obtained from various species of rhodophytes, is the source of the agarose used for microbiological culture plates.
Many algae are also used in vegan and macrobiotic cuisine; among these are of considerable importance: kombu, arame, dulse, hijiki, nori (the latter used to make the famous sushi), wakame. On the other hand, algae have a long tradition of food consumption also in northern European countries and along the Mediterranean coast. In Italy in particular, the tradition of Zeppolelle di mare, pancakes prepared with green seaweed lettuce, is still alive. Until 20 years ago, in Sicily, in the Catania area, the “mauru” seaweed was collected and sold in special kiosks and eaten raw seasoned with lemon.
Some algae produce dimethyl sulphide, a substance that condenses water vapour particles, causing the formation of clouds and fighting the greenhouse effect.
From the algae fibre it is possible to obtain paper, which can be made without the use of chlorine. The name of this product has been registered as Shiro algae paper.
From brown algae it is possible to extract, through a chemical process of cold micronization, substances able to improve the nutrition of plants known as algal biostimulants.
In the course of time, and in the evolution of the scientific systematization of living beings, within this grouping different systematic groups have been found with congruent characteristics such as very simple and non-differentiated structure in tissues and very often photosynthetic capacity. The only green algae or chlorophytes, together with the embryophytes, or terrestrial plants, constitute the clade of the green plants, or viridiplantae.
Not all algae use chlorophyll a for photosynthesis. They are a very vast and diversified group of simple, unicellular and multi-cellular autotrophic organisms, such as giant kelps growing up to 65 metres in length. Most are photosynthetic like plants, and “simple” because they do not have the cell typical of terrestrial plants and there are no distinct tissue structures.
Although prokaryotes cyanobacteria are informally referred to as blue-green algae, this use is not further correct, algae is a term now limited only to eukaryotes. All real algae must have a nucleus enclosed in a membrane and plastides bound in one or more membranes. Algae therefore form a paraphiletic and polyphiletic group, as not all of them are descended from a common ancestor, although their plastides appear to have a unique origin.
Algae present a wide range of reproductive strategies, from the simplest, asexual cell division to complex forms of sexual reproduction.
Algae do not have the various structures that characterize terrestrial plants, such as the small leaves (phyllites) of bryophytes, the rhizoids of non-vascular plants and the roots, leaves and other organs found in tracheophytes. Many groups are phototrophic, although some contain members that are mixotrophic. Some unicellular species depend entirely on energy sources other than light and have little or no photosynthetic apparatus.
Almost all algae have a photosynthetic apparatus ultimately derived from cyanobacteria, and produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis, unlike other photosynthetic bacteria such as purple and green sulfobacteria. Filamentous fossilized algae from the Vindhya basin were dated 1.6-1.7 billion years ago.
The “blue algae” and the real algae
Despite the ambiguity of the term, in the past also the so-called “cyanoficee” or “blue algae” were considered algae, unicellular organisms (which, however, can unite in colonies) prokaryotes and autotrophs, today more correctly inserted in the taxon of cyanobacteria belonging to the Bacteria kingdom (and domain).
The real algae are therefore the eukaryotic algae, which traditionally belong to the protists’ kingdom and can be both unicellular and multi-cellular. However, this grouping is certainly paraphyletic or polyphyletic: the algae have therefore recently been separated into various groups of eukaryotes, although this taxonomy is still very uncertain and varies considerably from author to author.
Common characteristics
In general it can be said that an algae represents a degree, rather than a grouping with taxonomic value. Generally algae do not have the typical structures of terrestrial plants such as rhizoids in non-vascular plants and leaves, roots and other organs that are typical of tracheophytes and have only pseudotextiles (thalli), instead of real distinct tissues formed by cells separated by transverse septa.
Algae are usually photosynthetic, although there are both autotrophic and heterotropic forms and some algae now included in the Archaeplastida clade, such as Chlamydomonas, have sometimes been included among the protozoa. Some unicellular algae depend solely on external energy sources and have a limited or absent photosynthetic apparatus.
The photosynthetic structures of algae derive primarily or secondarily from cyanobacteria and thus produce oxygen from photosynthesis, unlike photosynthetic bacteria such as sulphurous bacteria.
Algae are structurally very simple organisms. In most cases they have a haploid life cycle, others are haplo-diplonti – with an alternation of haploid (sporophyte) and diploid (gametophyte) generations – and only the more evolved algae (such as Bacillariophyta) have a diploid cycle.
In algae the embryo is not protected by cells of maternal origin.
Classification
Algae are widespread in all seas and freshwater locations. Before the appearance of phylogenetic classifications, they were divided into nine Divisions (suffix -phyta) depending on the conformation and the type of photosynthetic pigment used:
- Kingdom: Chromista
- Euglenophyta (euglenoids)
- Chrysophyta (yellow-brown algae)
- Dinophyta (dinoflagellate)
- Bacillariophyta (diatom)
- Phaeophyta (brown algae)
- Cryptophyta
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Chlorophyta (green algae)
- Rhodophyta (red algae)
- Glaucophyta
- Charophyta
Morphology
In algae the morphology varies from single to multi-cellular organisms. They can be presented as:
- flagellated, consisting of a single flagellated cell (e.g. Euglena) or in colony (e.g. Eudorine);
- rhizopodial, consisting of a single cell, without rigid walls, moves by emitting pseudopods;
- capsals, constituted by motionless cells, without wall, aggregated in small colonies wrapped by gelatinous material;
- coccali, formed by only one cell, uninucleated, without scourges, with rigid wall;
siphonal or cenocytic, formed by a single cell, with wall, plurinucleated even of remarkable dimensions; - trichal, pluricellular, formed by uninuclear cells, with simple or branched thallus;
siphonocladali, pluricellular, with plurinuclear cells; - pseudoparenchimatic, with laminar thallus originating from the division of cells into a plane, with one or two layers of cells (e.g. Ulva lactuca).
Unicellular algae
They are located near the surface of the expanses of water, where the light is most abundant. They consist of a single cell, completely self-sufficient. They are part of the phytoplankton, therefore they have a basic role as producers in the food chains, on which the life of aquatic animals depends. They also supply the atmosphere with large quantities of oxygen.
Multi-cellular algae
They generally live in shallow water. They are characterized by particular shapes and different colours due to the accessory pigments, thanks to which they use the whole spectrum of light. The water acts as a filter for the various radiations of the visible spectrum. Green algae are located closer to the surface of the water, absorbing red-orange light that has longer wavelengths and is stopped first. At greater depths there are brown algae that absorb blue-green rays (more penetrating). Even lower down is the habitat of red algae that absorb the faint blue light, which can penetrate even deeper. Multi-cellular algae are aquatic organisms that have poorly differentiated cells that form a tissue, called thallus, without roots, stem, leaves. The algae do not need roots, nor conductive vessels, because they live immersed in water. Each cell can absorb on its own all the nourishment it needs.
In this article, we are going to show you the most important information regarding algae. In this article, you will learn all of the significant characteristics regarding algae that will assist you make the right choice.
What is the best algae to buy?
This is actually the top rated choice of other clients buying products related to algae. For further choices, look at our full list of Algae or use the search box.
You should use the knowledge of people that have previously bought algae to discover additional information about its outcomes. If you wish to find out what other folks have to say about algae, read more on this post.
Best Algae Reviews
To assist you, we have gathered a number of interesting items that may help you make an informed decision regarding algae.
- Contains one (1) API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 1-Gallon Bottle; treats up to 38,400 U.S Gallons
- Helps resolve algae problems and controls the formation of new algae; works fast; effectively controls most types of algae including green water (Chlorella), string and hair algae (Cladophora), blanket weed algae (Oedogonium) in ponds, koi ponds and fountains
- This EPA-registered pond algaecide will not harm fish, plants, surrounding wildlife and pets when used as directed
- Does not contain copper
- Before use, make certain that the pond/fountain has vigorous aeration; thoroughly mix into pond/fountain water and disperse evenly; Repeat dose every three days until algae is controlled; dose weekly to keep pond or fountain clean and clear and to reduce maintenance
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Controls algae growth
- Will not harm Fish or Plants
- For freshwater tanks
- Contains one (1) API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 1-Gallon Bottle; treats up to 38,400 U.S Gallons
- Helps resolve algae problems and controls the formation of new algae; works fast; effectively controls most types of algae including green water (Chlorella), string and hair algae (Cladophora), blanket weed algae (Oedogonium) in ponds, koi ponds and fountains
- This EPA-registered pond algaecide will not harm fish, plants, surrounding wildlife and pets when used as directed
- Does not contain copper
- Before use, make certain that the pond/fountain has vigorous aeration; thoroughly mix into pond/fountain water and disperse evenly; Repeat dose every three days until algae is controlled; dose weekly to keep pond or fountain clean and clear and to reduce maintenance
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Controls algae growth
- Will not harm Fish or Plants
- For freshwater tanks
Offers and Discounts
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If there are no available offers now, bookmark this page and come back tomorrow. Price and availability change quickly.
Cheap Algae
The cheapest options among the top 10:
Buy Algae Online
API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 1-Gallon Bottle
- Contains one (1) API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 1-Gallon Bottle; treats up to 38,400 U.S Gallons
- Helps resolve algae problems and controls the formation of new algae; works fast; effectively controls most types of algae including green water (Chlorella), string and hair algae (Cladophora), blanket weed algae (Oedogonium) in ponds, koi ponds and fountains
- This EPA-registered pond algaecide will not harm fish, plants, surrounding wildlife and pets when used as directed
- Does not contain copper
- Before use, make certain that the pond/fountain has vigorous aeration; thoroughly mix into pond/fountain water and disperse evenly; Repeat dose every three days until algae is controlled; dose weekly to keep pond or fountain clean and clear and to reduce maintenance
The Algae's Always Greener/Sponge Guard on Duty
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
API ALGAEFIX Algae Control 16-Ounce Bottle
- Controls algae growth
- Will not harm Fish or Plants
- For freshwater tanks
API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 32-Ounce Bottle, FISHAQUARI (169G)
- Contains one (1) API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 32-Ounce Bottle
- Effectively controls green water algae, string and hair algae, blanketweed algae
- Controls green water to keep pond water clean and clear in ornamental ponds and water gardens
- Will not harm fish and plants when used as directed.
- Dose every three days until algae is controlled and then treat weekly
Slime: How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Kassinger, Ruth (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 323 Pages - 06/11/2019 (Publication Date) - Mariner Books (Publisher)
The Lives of Seaweeds: A Natural History of Our Planet's Seaweeds & Other Algae
- Hardcover Book
- Phillips, Julie A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 11/16/2021 (Publication Date) - Princeton University Press (Publisher)
HTH 67032 Super Algae Guard Swimming Pool Algaecide Cleanser, 1 qt
- BENEFITS: Kills and prevents all algae types including green, black and mustard algae in your swimming pool so you can enjoy your summertime fun
- USE: Apply directly to the pool for easy DIY pool care
- COMPATIBILITY: Great for vinyl-lined and saltwater pool systems
- FEATURES: Non-foaming algaecide formula destroys algae fast for crystal clear water; Swim 15 minutes after applying algaecide to your pool; Dissolves fast; Won’t fade vinyl pool liners
- INCLUDES: One 1-qt container of Super Algae Guard for your swimming pool water
Nordic Naturals Algae DHA - 500 mg Omega-3 DHA - 90 Soft Gels - Certified Vegan Algae Oil - Plant-Based DHA - Brain, Eye & Nervous System Support - Non-GMO - 45 Servings
- DHA BENEFITS - The important omega-3 fatty acid DHA helps support healthy brain, eye & nervous system function, in addition to optimal wellness.
- WHY ALGAE DHA - Nordic Naturals Algae DHA can help vegetarians & vegans meet their daily recommended serving of omega-3 DHA with small, easy-to-swallow vegetarian soft gels.
- PLANT-BASED OMEGA-3 - Derived from microalgae, our Algae DHA is certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association and provides a sustainable, fish-free alternative to fish oil supplements.
- PURITY GUARANTEED - At Nordic Naturals, everything we make is non-GMO & third-party tested, surpassing the strictest international standards for purity & freshness. Algae DHA is gluten & dairy free, with no artificial colors or preservatives.
- ETHICAL INNOVATION - Nordic Naturals has always been at the forefront of sustainable & ethical practices in the natural products industry. Through science & innovation, we are committed to delivering safe, effective nutrients for optimal wellness.
Garden of Life Minami Algae Omega 3 Vegan DHA for Brain and Eye Health - Orange Flavor, 500mg Plant Based DHA Omega-3 Vegan Algae Oil Plus Astaxanthin, No Aftertaste, 60 Easy-to-Swallow Mini Softgels
- New Look. Same Formula. Previously named Minami VeganDHA.
- Supports brain health and eye health
- 64% Concentrated Omega-3 Supplement
- 100% Vegan Adult Formula—Marine Algae DHA with 500mg DHA plus 1.5mg Astaxanthin) in Just Two Mini Softgels Daily
- Clean, Orange Flavor and No Fishy Aftertaste
API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 64-Ounce Bottle (FF-169D)
- -Contains one (1) API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 64-Ounce Bottle; treats up to 19,200 U.S Gallons
- -Helps resolve algae problems and controls the formation of new algae; works fast; effectively controls most types of algae including green water (Chlorella), string and hair algae (Cladophora), blanket weed algae (Oedogonium) in ponds, koi ponds and fountains
- -This EPA-registered pond algaecide will not harm fish, plants, surrounding wildlife and pets when used as directed
- -Does not contain copper
- -Before use, make certain that the pond/fountain has vigorous aeration; thoroughly mix into pond/fountain water and disperse evenly; Repeat dose every three days until algae is controlled; dose weekly to keep pond or fountain clean and clear and to reduce maintenance
After seeing the best Algae 2021 lets look into the future:
Best Algae 2022
These are the new Algae releases available. Will the best Algae 2022 be among them?
References
- Li, H, Yao, J, Duran, R, Liu, J, Min, N, Chen, Z et al.. Toxic response of the freshwater green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa to combined effect of flotation reagent butyl xanthate and nickel. Environ Pollut. 2021;286 :117285. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117285. PubMed PMID:33984773 .
- Vítová, M, Stránská, M, Palyzová, A, Řezanka, T. Detailed structural characterization of cardiolipins from various biological sources using a complex analytical strategy comprising fractionation, hydrolysis and chiral chromatography. J Chromatogr A. 2021;1648 :462185. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462185. PubMed PMID:33984647 .
- Lee, DH, Kim, SH, Won, EJ, Kim, MS, Hur, J, Shin, KH et al.. Integrated approach for quantitative estimation of particulate organic carbon sources in a complex river system. Water Res. 2021;199 :117194. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117194. PubMed PMID:33984589 .
- Roth, F, El-Khaled, YC, Karcher, DB, Rädecker, N, Carvalho, S, Duarte, CM et al.. Nutrient pollution enhances productivity and framework dissolution in algae- but not in coral-dominated reef communities. Mar Pollut Bull. 2021;168 :112444. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112444. PubMed PMID:33984578 .
- Lee, SH, Kim, M, Park, MH. Diphlorethohydroxycamalol isolated from Ishige okamurae prevents HO-induced oxidative damage via BMP2/Runx2 signaling in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Fitoterapia. 2021; :104921. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104921. PubMed PMID:33984434 .
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Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.