Alga
Alga is a term used to describe a large and diverse group of photosynthetic, eukaryotic organisms that are not necessarily closely related and are thus polyphyletic. They are predominantly aquatic and include organisms ranging from unicellular microalgae, such as Chlorella, Diatoms and the Cyanobacteria, to multicellular forms, such as the Giant Kelp, a large brown alga which may grow up to 50 meters in length.
Algae are important for life on earth as they generate about half of the oxygen produced on earth each year. They are also the base of the food chain in almost all ecosystems in which they occur. Some types of algae, such as seaweed, are also used for food by humans and other species.
Classification
Algae are classified into seven main groups:
- Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae)
- Chlorophyta (Green algae)
- Rhodophyta (Red algae)
- Diatoms
- Phaeophyta (Brown algae)
- Dinoflagellates
- Euglenophyta (Euglenoids)
Each group has distinct characteristics and can be found in different environments ranging from fresh water to salt water.
Medical Relevance
Certain types of algae, particularly blue-green algae, produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. These toxins can cause a range of illnesses, from skin rashes to severe stomach problems and even death in extreme cases.
On the other hand, some types of algae are beneficial to human health. For example, certain species of red and brown algae are rich in nutrients and are used as dietary supplements.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alga
- Wikipedia's article - Alga
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