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 Nordic Naturals Algae Omega - 715 mg Omega-3-120 Soft Gels - Certified Vegan Algae Oil - Plant-Based EPA & DHA - Heart, Eye, Immune & Brain Health - Non-GMO - 60 Servings
- 12.3 Slime: How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us
- 12.4 Super Algae Certified Organic Spirulina and Chlorella Vegan Capsules - Blue Green Algae Powder Supplement to Support Energy, Immune System and Healthy Gut - Non-GMO
- 12.5 Algae Fuel
- 12.6 BioGuard Algae Complete (72 oz) (2)
- 12.7 API ALGAEFIX Algae Control 16-Ounce Bottle
- 12.8 Vegan Omega-3 Fish Oil Alternative sourced from Algae Oil | Highest Levels of Vegan DHA & EPA Fatty Acids | Non-GMO Verified & Vegan Certified - 60 Veggie Softgels (Carrageenan Free)
- 12.9 American Health Klamath Shores Blue Green Algae - 120 Capsules - Fresh Water Phytonutrient-Rich Algae Superfood Supplement - 120 Total Servings
- 12.10 The Lives of Seaweeds: A Natural History of Our Planet's Seaweeds and Other Algae
- 13 Best Algae 2024
- 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
- THE NUMBER ONE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 IN THE U.S. - Research shows that the essential fatty acids EPA & DHA in algae oil support heart, eye, immune & brain health.
- WHY ALGAE OMEGA - Nordic Naturals Algae Omega can help vegetarians & vegans meet their daily recommended serving of omega-3 EPA + DHA.
- PLANT-BASED OMEGA-3 - Derived from microalgae, our Algae Omega is certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association. This 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 Omega 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.
- Hardcover Book
- Kassinger, Ruth (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 06/11/2019 (Publication Date) - Mariner Books (Publisher)
- 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 NUMBER ONE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 IN THE U.S. - Research shows that the essential fatty acids EPA & DHA in algae oil support heart, eye, immune & brain health.
- WHY ALGAE OMEGA - Nordic Naturals Algae Omega can help vegetarians & vegans meet their daily recommended serving of omega-3 EPA + DHA.
- PLANT-BASED OMEGA-3 - Derived from microalgae, our Algae Omega is certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association. This 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 Omega 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.
- Hardcover Book
- Kassinger, Ruth (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 06/11/2019 (Publication Date) - Mariner Books (Publisher)
Offers and Discounts
If you are looking for cheap Algae, here we will post any offer that we find:
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
Nordic Naturals Algae Omega - 715 mg Omega-3-120 Soft Gels - Certified Vegan Algae Oil - Plant-Based EPA & DHA - Heart, Eye, Immune & Brain Health - Non-GMO - 60 Servings
- THE NUMBER ONE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 IN THE U.S. - Research shows that the essential fatty acids EPA & DHA in algae oil support heart, eye, immune & brain health.
- WHY ALGAE OMEGA - Nordic Naturals Algae Omega can help vegetarians & vegans meet their daily recommended serving of omega-3 EPA + DHA.
- PLANT-BASED OMEGA-3 - Derived from microalgae, our Algae Omega is certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association. This 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 Omega 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.
Slime: How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us
- Hardcover Book
- Kassinger, Ruth (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 06/11/2019 (Publication Date) - Mariner Books (Publisher)
Super Algae Certified Organic Spirulina and Chlorella Vegan Capsules - Blue Green Algae Powder Supplement to Support Energy, Immune System and Healthy Gut - Non-GMO
- ORGANIC SUPERFOODS - Spirulina is a blue-green algae superfood that is dense in protein, iron and phytonutrients. Chlorella is a green algae that helps the body eliminate impurities, supports digestion and helps maintain the friendly bacteria in the gut.
- BOOST ENERGY - The Chlorella in Super Algae is naturally rich in a biologically active form of energy-boosting Vitamin B12. Chorella also supports healthy levels of red blood cells in the body.
- SEASONAL ALLERGY RELIEF - Chlorella and Spiralina promote a healthy response to seasonal allergens. Preliminary research shows that spirulina may aid when you are experiencing mild sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes during hay fever season.
- SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SUPPLEMENTS - Our Super Algae is dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, nut-free, corn-free and gluten-free. It contains no barley, yeast or sugar. It is manufactured in our GMP & NSF Certified facility and Third-Party tested for quality assurance.
- LOVE SUPER ALGAE, OR YOUR MONEY BACK - Hello, we’re Nested Naturals. We're confident you'll love us, but if you don't, you’re backed by our Lifetime Guarantee. Call or email us for a full refund. There's no hitch!
Algae Fuel
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Deborah Tong, Neil deGrasse Tyson (Actors)
- Josh Rosen (Director) - Gabriela Quirós (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
BioGuard Algae Complete (72 oz) (2)
- BioGuard Algae Complete - 2 pack
API ALGAEFIX Algae Control 16-Ounce Bottle
- Contains one (1) API ALGAEFIX Algae Control 16-Ounce Bottle
- Controls algae growth and keeps aquarium glass, ornaments and plants clean
- Fast-acting and effective on "green water" algae blooms, string or hair algae
- Will not harm fish and plants when used as directed
- Dose every three days until algae is under control then dose weekly
Vegan Omega-3 Fish Oil Alternative sourced from Algae Oil | Highest Levels of Vegan DHA & EPA Fatty Acids | Non-GMO Verified & Vegan Certified - 60 Veggie Softgels (Carrageenan Free)
- Sourced from sustainable Algae Oil providing 770mg of heart healthy Omega-3's per serving
- The Only vegan omega-3 encapsulated in plant-based Tapioca Softgel with NO carrageenan (seaweed extract)
- Non-GMO Verified & Vegan Certified. Formulated without Gelatin, Carrageenan, Corn Starch, Sorbitol or fillers
- Most Omega-3 supplements use fish oils which often contain toxins such as mercury and dioxin. With burp-free, Vegan Omega-3, fish burps are happily a thing of the past!
- If you are not satisfied with SR Vegan Omega-3 simply return your product within 90 days for a refund (^See details below).
American Health Klamath Shores Blue Green Algae - 120 Capsules - Fresh Water Phytonutrient-Rich Algae Superfood Supplement - 120 Total Servings
- American Health Products
- American Health Products
- Made in USA
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.
The Lives of Seaweeds: A Natural History of Our Planet's Seaweeds and Other Algae
- Hardcover Book
- Phillips, Julie A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 03/22/2022 (Publication Date) - Princeton University Press (Publisher)
After seeing the best Algae 2023 lets look into the future:
Best Algae 2024
These are the new Algae releases available. Will the best Algae 2024 be among them?
References
- El-Tabakh, MAM, Elhawary, EA, Hwihy, HM, Darweesh, KF, Shaapan, RM, Ghazala, EA et al.. UPLC/ESI/MS profiling of red algae Galaxaura rugosa extracts and its activity against malaria mosquito vector, Anopheles pharoensis, with reference to Danio rerio and Daphnia magna as bioindicators. Malar J. 2023;22 (1):368. doi: 10.1186/s12936-023-04795-w. PubMed PMID:38041142 .
- Rana, S, Kumar, A. Effect of long-term exposure of mixture of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on Scenedesmus obliquus. Ecotoxicology. 2023; :. doi: 10.1007/s10646-023-02710-2. PubMed PMID:38040998 .
- Szkoda, M, Skorupska, M, Łukaszewicz, JP, Ilnicka, A. Enhanced supercapacitor materials from pyrolyzed algae and graphene composites. Sci Rep. 2023;13 (1):21238. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48166-6. PubMed PMID:38040735 .
- Brunoir, T, Mulligan, C, Sistiaga, A, Vuu, KM, Shih, PM, O'Reilly, SS et al.. Common origin of sterol biosynthesis points to a feeding strategy shift in Neoproterozoic animals. Nat Commun. 2023;14 (1):7941. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-43545-z. PubMed PMID:38040676 .
- Fan, J, Yuan, W, Zhang, X, Ji, B, Du, X. Oxygen affinity and light intensity induced robust phosphorus removal and fragile ammonia removal in a non-aerated bacteria-algae system. Sci Total Environ. 2023; :169013. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169013. PubMed PMID:38040345 .
Related Products:
- Blue Green Algae Powder
- Water Fountain Algae Control
- Blue Green Algae
- Klamath Blue Green Algae
- Blue Green Algae Capsules
- Algae Cleaner
- Red Algae Supplements
- Algae Scraper For Glass Aquariums
- Pond Algae Control Safe For Fish
- Algae Oil
- Algae Off
- Algae Brush
- Algae Omega
- Algae Remover
- Algae Scrubber
Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.